Beatrice Marie Hiles

Beatrice was a witty and loving woman, known for her compassionate spirit, her giving heart, and her commitment to hard work. With a passion for music and a great love for her family, Beatrice took true joy in her life, and was a delight to those around her. But most importantly, Beatrice was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. The year 1935, when Beatrice's story begins, found the United States overwhelmed by the Great Depression. After the devastating stock market crash in October of 1929, jobs in America were scarce, money was tight, and the outlook was bleak. But in 1933, the nation saw the inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who launched the New Deal, promising to bring back hope to the nation. Two years later, though not recovered fully, the nation was beginning to see progress, and a second phase of the New Deal would soon be launched. But in Muskegon, Michigan, Richard and Mildred (Jibson) Anderson were happily distracted from the troubles around them as they prepared their home for the arrival of a new life. One spring day, on March 14, 1935, they welcomed home a new precious daughter named Beatrice Marie. Beatrice's family soon grew to include a whole group of girls, including her sisters Jessie May, Mildred and Rosalie Geraldine. While Beatrice's father, Richard, worked at Continental Motors to provide for his family, her mother, Mildred, worked as a homemaker. Sadly, when Beatrice was just 12 years old, she experienced a time of great tragedy when she lost both her mother and father within two years. From then on, Beatrice was raised by her Grandmother Anderson. Her grandmother, a strict woman, lived on a farm in Ravenna, where Beatrice learned the value of hard work. Beatrice and her sisters attended Ravenna Elementary School, and later Ravenna High School. During high school, Beatrice was an active girl; she played forward on the girl's basketball team, and also tapped into her budding musical talent by teaching herself to play piano and accordion. Following high school, Beatrice attended Cosmetology school in Muskegon. One day, while Beatrice was waiting for a bus, she heard someone whistle at her from a large truck driving past. After this had happened four different days, the driver of the truck finally stopped to talk to her, and Beatrice met a young man who would change her life. The driver was named Louis Jasper Hiles, and soon the two found themselves dating. After many movies, dances and fun evenings together, Beatrice and Louis decided to take their relationship to the next level. On June 18, 1955, Beatrice and Louis were married, and Beatrice became Mrs. Louis Hiles. During the first years of their marriage, Beatrice and Louis lived with Louis's mother. The happy newlyweds soon became a young family, and Beatrice gave birth to two children, a son, Mike, in 1956 and a daughter, Pam, in 1959. Shortly after Pam's birth, Louis and Beatrice purchased a home of their own, and settled into their new house on 2296 Ewing Road in 1960. Beatrice loved her family dearly, and was a wonderful mother. An excellent cook, Beatrice worked wonders in the kitchen , and could do miracles with ground beef. While Louis worked for Goodwill Industries, Beatrice worked at various beauty shops and later at Misco Corporation. She and her family experienced some difficult financial times, but their home was joyful nevertheless, filled with music and entertainment. In 1968, Beatrice was devastated by the death of her grandmother. But as time progressed, Beatrice found great joy in watching her children grow. When her son, Mike, left for the Navy in October of 1974, Beatrice was a proud parent. She also found great joy when her children were married, Mike in 1975 and Pam in 1983. And when her daughter in law, Lori, gave birth to her first child, Lacy, Beatrice was an ecstatic new grandmother. As her family grew, Beatrice cherished each of her grandkids, and was a wonderful grandma. Beatrice enjoyed staying busy and spending time with her family. Throughout the years, she attended Cedar Creek Covenant, Dalton Baptist Church and Holton United Methodist Church. She enjoyed frequent trips to Rosie's Diner on Maple Island Road, and loved camping at White Cloud State Park. She and Louis also took many trips to the Upper Peninsula, Nashville, Niagra Falls, and to see family in Illinois. Throughout her life, music was dear to Beatrice. She continued to nurse her passion, and played accordion, piano, and electric bass with different bands. She enjoyed performing in many concerts, and especially enjoyed her part in a bluegrass gospel band for several years. Starting in 1975, Beatrice experienced many physical hardships that were difficult for her. Aside from breaking her back tobogganing, Beatrice also experienced four different bouts with cancer between 1975 and 1994. As she continued to age, Beatrice saw Louis's health decline as well, as he suffered from several strokes. The strokes resulted in him moving to Hillcrest Nursing Home in July of 2009. Beatrice was a devoted and loving wife, and visited Louis loyally every day. Unfortunately, her own health began to decline in the summer of 2010. Beatrice died at her home on Tuesday, February 8, 2011. Beatrice was a caring, compassionate woman with a tendency to worry, but a love for fixing things as well. With her feisty, witty sense of humor, Beatrice found great joy in her family, and brought joy to their lives in return. A beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Beatrice was a shining example for her children and her grandchildren, and will be dearly missed. Beatrice is survived by her husband, Louis; son, Michael (Lori) Hiles of Holton; daughter, Pamela (Alan) Stroven of Twin Lake; grandchildren, Lacy, Daniel, Christopher; sisters, Jessie (Jerry) Kennard of OH, Pat Hunter of Baldwin, Rose (Jim) Morgan of OH; and several nieces & nephews. To learn more about Beatrice's life, friends may visit with her family on Sunday, 2-5 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Funeral services will take place on Monday, February 14, 2011, 11:00 AM at CrossWinds Fellowship with Pastor Elder Allen Alexander officiating. Memorial donations to Harbor Hospice would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a photo or memory and sign Beatrice's online guestbook.