Mrs. Bea Gilliland, 79, Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she the passed away at 8:24 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center of Fort Wayne.

On Dec. 10, 1935, Beatrice was born in Prestonsburg, Ky. the cherished daughter of Bert and Audie Howard Damron. Growing up as the third oldest of the 14 Damron children, Bea shared her childhood with six sisters and seven brothers.

In Rochester, Bea and Richard Lee Gilliland were married on Dec. 18, 1955. Together they shared nearly 60 years of life’s adventures. From their union came two sons, Jerry and Marvin. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Embarking on her professional career, Bea initially worked as a garment presser for Topps Manufacturing. Later she worked in the banking industry for Society Bank and Leiter’s Ford State Bank. At home she and Dick planted and harvested a huge truck patch garden annually, sharing the bountiful harvest with family and special friends. They also canned and froze some of the produce for winter use. She also planted flowers to enhance the landscape of their home. An animal lover, Bea was a great friend to the backyard birds, feeding them and observing their behaviors. She also enjoyed the companionship of her treasured dogs, Marley and Sadie, and kitty Butch.

As an adventurer Bea loved to travel. Her favorite destination was Branson, Mo. She and Dick introduced their family to campouts. Winamac State Park was the favorite locale for overnights on the weekend. There was nothing better than sitting by the campfire under the warm summer starlit nights and reminiscing while roasting hotdogs or making s’mores!

Grandma Gilliland was proud to oversee four generations. She could be seen in the bleachers at nearly every sporting event… softball, tennis matches, basketball, cheerleading, academic honors nights or choir concerts. She cherished her granddaughters. The holidays brought on baking weekends. Grandma was at home in her kitchen command post sharing her culinary skills with Melissa and Kristen. It was here that they teamed to create sugar cookies, candies, fudge, mints and buckeyes. Who was their official taste tester? It was Grandpa in charge of quality control. One of her best dishes in demand was ham and beans with warm cornbread coming straight from the oven. A true lady of great versatility, Grandma truly rocked. She would ride the roller coasters at Holiday World with the girls. She once engaged in the sport of roller blading, until she crashed and broker her wrist.

More recently, Great-Grandma looked forward to the visits and celebrations with her Great-Grands. With a passion for family Bea also looked forward to shopping with her sisters and family reunions, reminiscing about the past but making new memories.

Bea is lovingly remembered by her husband: Richard; a son: Marvin (Julie) Gilliland, Yorktown; two granddaughters: Melissa (Justin) McNall, their children: Ethan Halas; Olivia Kay; and Brayden Lee McNall, Fishers; Kristen (Josh) DeLoddere, their daughter: Alison Marie DeLoddere, Whitestown; four sisters: Dottie (John) Hudkins, Rochester; Lottie (Ed) Smoker, Rochester; Ellen (Jim) Conley, Rochester; Sue (Marty) Shuey, Rensselaer; a brother: Carl Damron, Rochester; numerous nieces and nephews; canine companions: Marley and Sadie; the black lab-German Shepherd mixes; her feline companion: Butch, an orange domestic shorthair.

Preceding Bea in death are her parents; a son: Jerry Lynn Gilliland; two sisters: Ann Lewis; Judy Croussore; and six Damron brothers: Burl; Johnnie; Dewey; Clifford; Andy; and Luther.

Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Good Family Funeral Home. The service will be held immediately following visitation at 5 p.m. and will be officiated by Rev. Don Meyer.

Memorial donations may be made to Fulton County Animal Education and Adoption Center through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, Rochester.