Mary Ruth Tyler Beaman

Mary Ruth Tyler Beaman, 96, died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, November 24, 2011, at Paul Spring Retirement Community in Alexandria, Va. Daughter of Spencer and Mary Tyler, Mary Ruth was born on September 26, 1915 in Missouri, where she spent her youth, graduating from Malden High School and from Lindenwood University. From 1937 to 1942 she worked with the American Red Cross Disaster Relief (Mississippi River Flood of 1936) and World War I Veterans' Department. She was then recruited by the War Department for personnel administration. Mary then worked at several ordnance installations to both start and finally to dismantle them. In 1945 she was sent to Europe to help establish the civilian program for USFET (Occupation Forces). She was in Paris on May 8, 1945 at war's end and from her office watched as planes flew low down the Champs-Elysées. One year later on the same date, May 8, in the Pentagon, she met and employed Chester Beaman to become head of Job Classification in European Theater of Operation. Following an intense correspondence from him in Europe after her return to Missouri, she replied to his proposal of marriage, "Read Ruth 1:16." They were married November 8, 1947. After attending the American Institute of Foreign Trade, Chester joined the State Department in 1949. Ultimately they returned to Europe and during his career were posted to Germany, England, Wales, USA, Lebanon, Egypt, Philippines, Syria, and Malta. In 1970 they made Alexandria their home, although Chester continued working abroad, in all, a total of 125 countries. Her life revolved around his assignments. The births of son Bruce and daughter Anina, their marriages and subsequent offspring absorbed her time, interest and devotion. After almost 60 years of marriage, her husband Chester passed away at age 91 on May 3, 2007. She loved her family, friends, food, music, and words. Mary did needlework and crafts and enjoyed cooking, homemaking and volunteering. She was shamelessly enamored with her grandchildren and two great-grandsons. She enjoyed a good life. Survivors include her son Bruce and his wife Cindy of Vienna, VA, daughter Anina and her husband George of Nelly's Ford, VA, seven grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Family will receive friends at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, VA on December 3rd from 12:00 to 1:00pm, where services will follow at 1:00pm. Interment immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, read a book, plant a plant or contact a friend in remembrance of her.

Tributes

Mary Ruth Tyler Beaman

September 26, 1915 - November 24, 2011