Hortense "Bea" Harmon, 96, Traveled to All Continental U.S. States

Hortense “Bea” Harmon, 96, of Aurora, died Thursday, August 8, 2013.  She was born to Lillie and Arnold Summers in Kirksville, MO.  She married Noah “Dean” Harmon in 1935 and they lived their lives in Missouri and Illinois.  Mom and Dad were able to celebrate their 50th anniversary before Dad’s passing in 1986.

Mom took care of many grandchildren and children of friends and neighbors.  She worked several years at Anixter Wire Co.  She was a devout Christian and worshipped at Bethany of Fox Valley United Methodist Church.  There she participated in the Loyal Leaders Sunday School class, the UMW and enjoyed helping out as the “Coffee Lady” at the annual Christmas Cookie and Bazaar sale.  She always had a witty saying or silly poem to share from old Native American proverbs to Depression era humor. 

Mom and Dad traveled to every state in the continental United States, and to Canada and Mexico.  She enjoyed her cruise at age 90 to the Bahamas and especially loved flying with her last trip to visit relatives in Montana at age 91.  Whenever the question was asked, “Do you want to go to…” the response was always, “Sure!”  We all have many memories of camping and fishing, laughter and family celebrations.  Recently her outings were picnics in her “party van” at local parks.  She so enjoyed traveling. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Lillie (McCollum) Summers, step-father Tatlow McCollum, her husband Noah “Dean” Harmon and “Little George”, her infant brother. 

She is survived by her children Janice Lee, Arnie (Jeanette) Harmon, Jacquee (Ken) Lawrence, grandchildren Robin (Juan) Reyes, Todd Harmon, Shane Harmon, Tami Harmon, Darren (Anne) Lee, Cathi Lee and Heather-Dawn (Mathew) Edwards, numerous great-grandchildren,  great-great grandchildren,  great-great-great-grandchildren and hundreds of wonderful friends and neighbors. 

Special thank yous to the staff at Countryside Care Center, Guiding Light Hospice, caregivers Jean, Karen, Kim, Chastity, Kim, Nicole and Maria and all those who spent countless hours with her.  You all made her last years wonderful and comfortable. 

Visitation will be at Bethany of Fox Valley United Methodist Church, Sunday, August 11, 2013 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. with a life celebration service immediately following at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Alka Lyall officiating.  Interment will be at the Novinger Cemetery in Novinger, MO where she will be laid to rest between her husband and her mother. 

Memorials in her name may be made to Bethany of Fox Valley UMC.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes, 630-553-7611 or www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com