At 12:41 a.m. on Jan. 19, 2022,  Jesus wrapped his arms around Beatrice “Bea” Lee Shank, Warsaw, and took her home at the age of 96. She passed away at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center, Warsaw.

Beatrice “Bea” Lee Shank

She was born on Nov. 21, 1925, in Alamogordo, N.M., to Eutima (Bacca) Garcia and Sofia Garcia. She was married in Alamogordo, N.M., to Delbert Shank on Oct. 22, 1944.

They moved to Warsaw that same year and made it their home. Though their marriage ended in divorce, they always shared their love for their children and grandchildren.

Bea was always a reliable hard worker and would always make sure she provided for her family. She made many friends at every place she worked at throughout her life. She worked at Gatke’s, Da-Lite Screen, Sun Metal and Fahl Mobile Homes, where she was the office manager for many years.

Steady hands and an eye for detail came in handy for some of her favorite hobbies: painting ceramics and sewing. She enjoyed the many hours concentrating on finishing up a project. Bea also had a love for gardening and enjoyed the time outside in the sunlight and fresh air. She loved life and all of the simple pleasures, one of which was just going into town.

Bea was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warsaw where she loved to worship with her church family. She witnessed and experienced so much in her 96 years on this earth and will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed by all.

She leaves behind her daughter, Deb (Rick) Riddle, Warsaw; three grandchildren, Tina (Ryan) Becker, Bobbie (Brad) Butler and Doug (Heather) Shank; seven great-grandchildren, Brittany, Brianna, Hailey, Hannah, Ian, Ashley and Austin; one great-great-grandchild, Beckett; and her brother, James (Germaine) Garcia, Crown Point.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters; one brother; son John Shank; daughter Beverly Shank; and grandson Jeromie Shank.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Beatrice’s life with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 125 N. Harrison Street, Warsaw, and officiated by mass celebrant Father Jonathan Norton. There will be one hour of public visitation at the church from 10 a.m until 11a.m. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Arrangements are entrusted to at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.