Frances Beatty Keppel

Area lifetime resident, Frances Beatty Keppel, 96, of 805 Baker St. died of natural causes at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2003, in the Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home. Frances was born in Plymouth on September 20, 1906, the daughter of William and Sarah Mahler Piper. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1925. She attended Manchester College and Ball State Teachers College. She was first married to Paul “Pat” Beatty on November 25, 1939, in Plymouth. She was co-owner of the Beatty Trucking Company with Pat. He died on December 10, 1974. Ten years later, Frances was married to George P. Keppel, in Plymouth, on August 10, 1984. George died on January 9, 1998. A school teacher, Frances started out in the Hibbard school, then taught in the Culver, Plymouth and Bremen schools. She loved to travel, and has been all over the United States. She particularly loved being with her family and joining in their activities. Frances also enjoyed being on water. Frances was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church, where she was active in the Tyra Constance Guild for many years. She also was a member of the Eastern Star Organization and of the Friendly Thirty Home Economics Club. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law: Bill and Janet Beatty of Warsaw. A granddaughter, Jessica Beatty, Indianapolis, survives as well. Several brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews survive also. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands and by two sisters: Dorothy Hostetler and Ethel Foster. Friends may visit with her family and celebrate her life on Thursday, January 23, 2003, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Dean Fager, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Plymouth, will be held in the funeral home on Friday, January 24, 2003, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth, Ind. Memorial gifts in Frances’ memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church.