Reita M. (Beemer) Foulkes, 82, of Columbus Grove, died at 2:30 a.m., Friday, May 1, 2015, at Lima Memorial Hospital.
She was born Oct. 11, 1932 in Columbus Grove to the late Charles and Gladys (Moyer) Beemer. On April 19, 1953, she married Elvet W. Foulkes, who survives.
Reita is survived by two daughters: Brenda (J. Daniel) Groman of Columbus Grove and Julie (Mark) Yoder of Bluffton; her 6 grandchildren: Krysti (Phil) Schey, Kurt (Amy) Groman, Joel (fiancée Rachel Johnson) Groman, Paul Yoder, David Yoder, and Rachel Yoder; and 2 great-grandsons: Korwynn Schey and Theo Groman. She is also survived by 2 sisters: Grace Marshall of Wapakoneta, and Mary Ann (Gene) Amstutz of Pandora.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Debbie, a sister-in-law, Doris Rockhill, and 3 brothers-in-law: Donald (Doris) Rockhill, Stanley (Della) Salter, and Don (Grace) Marshall. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Reita was a 1950 graduate of Beaverdam High School and Northwestern School of Commerce. She then worked in the office for Jones Hardware in Lima, Ohio and assisted her husband in operating their family farm.
Reita was a life-long member of the Rockport United Methodist Church, where she actively participated in its ministry, was a member of the Allen County Farm Bureau, and the Gideon’s International Auxiliary.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m.. Tuesday, May 5, at the Rockport United Methodist Church. Rev. Gregory Coleman and Rev. Richard Rakay will officiate. Burial will be in Rockport Cemetery.
Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Monday at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions may be made to Pandora-Bluffton Youth for Christ, Gideons International or Rockport United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com
