Nancy Beedon

All who knew Nancy Beedon would agree that she had a special way about her that made her truly extraordinary. The love she had for her family was unmatched, and although she loved being a wife and mother she just may have argued that being a grandmother was her greatest gift of all. Nancy was never one to worry about building wealth, rather her focus was on living fully in each and every moment she was given. A lifelong resident of the community she loved, she touched countless others who were within her reach. Although Nancy will be deeply missed, the memories she leaves behind will remain a lasting treasure in the hearts and lives of those too numerous to count. It was great to be an American during the 1920s as it was a vibrant time of new discovery when prosperity touched every city and town all across our great land. Nothing could be further from that reality in the 1930s as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression causing strife all across America and throughout much of the world. Jobs were scarce, which sent the unemployment rate to over 25 percent leaving families to do whatever they could to make ends meet. Despite the trials around them, a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, was delighted to announce the birth of their baby girl on November 22, 1931. Nancy Marie was one of four children born to her parents, Roy and Mary (Schertenlieb) Humphreys, and she was raised in the family home on Temple Street alongside her siblings, George, Pat, and Bruce. In many ways Nancy experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of the time. Her father worked as an electrician at Campbell, Wyant & Cannon while her mother was a housewife. Nancy and her family looked forward to going to Aunt Bethas, and it was there that she learned to bake bread and rolls. She was a student at local schools including Roosevelt and Muskegon Heights High School. While a high school student Nancy was an active part of student life as she was in the pep club, involved in intramural sports and softball, vice president of the booster club, worked on the school newspaper, and excelled at sewing. A gifted student, she graduated early at the young age of 17 in 1949. New and exciting changes were in store for Nancy when she met the young man with whom she would write a love story that would span more than 60 years. His name was Richard Beedon, and they were set up on a blind date by coworkers at a picnic. Sparks flew right from the start, and Nancy and Richard began dating. It wasnt long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spent the rest of their lives together they became husband and wife on October 20, 1951. The newlyweds settled into a house on Heights-Ravenna Road where they would call home for over 60 years. Their lives together were exceptionally blessed when their son, Robert, came into their hearts and home in 1952, and then again with the birth of their daughter, Marianne, in 1957. Nancy was a fantastic homemaker who could be strict, but she was also willing to give a little. She usually made oyster stew for her husband, and on New Years Richard often went to a fish fry so Nancy took the kids to Sorrentos for Italian. Nancy enjoyed ice cream sundaes with her family as well as family parties, pool parties at their house, and spending holidays with family, too. As a family they often took vacations to a cottage in Pentwater. There was also plenty of fishing, Sunday drives for ice cream cones, and driving to see Christmas lights on Christmas Eve followed by great pizza. The vacations, the pool parties, the traditions, and even the everyday meals were all such special experiences that meant the world to Nancys children. Nancy was filled with unspeakable joy when grandchildren began arriving, and there was nothing she loved more than being with her grandchildren. Priceless memories were made for all when Nancy had them over for dinner or celebrated holidays. Although first and foremost in Nancys life was always caring for her family, she kept busy in other ways, too. An excellent seamstress, she loved sewing clothes in addition to gathering flowers, camping, and fishing. Nancy and Richard did some traveling together as they took a few cruises, and they also went on bus trips and visited the casinos. Playing cards with friends was another one of Nancys favorite activities with her longtime friends Betty and Fred Zallman and Marlene and Duane Hudson holding a special place in her heart. For a time she served as the president of the Beach School PTA, and she also helped established Beach School Roller Skating. Nancy treasured the companionship of several dogs through the years including Mimi, DeeDee, and Bridget. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Nancy Beedon was a blessing to all who were near. She was gracious, kindhearted, generous, and genuine with a contagious zest for life that drew others near with ease. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Nancy will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Nancy M. Beedon died on Friday, October 31, 2014. Nancys family includes her son, Robert Beedon of Muskegon; daughter, Marianne (Terry) Hooper of NC; 4 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; brother, Bruce (Mary Morris) Humphreys; brother-in-law, Charles Beedon; many nieces and nephews; special friends, Marlene Hudson, Mari Thiel & Janet Carter. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Richard in 2013; parents; sister, Pat Minkel; and brother, George Humphreys. Services will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Interment at Fruitport Cemetery. Visit with Nancys family and friends on Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Alzheimer's Association. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.