Beatrice Ann Walker, 92 of Ashland passed away from this life on Tuesday morning, June 17, 2025 in Brethren Care Village.
She was born on October 9, 1932 in Biglerville, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Clyde Sr. and Elizabeth (nee Warner) Baumgardner. In 1935 Bea was selected as the Baby of the Year.
Bea was truly one of a kind, affectionately known to many as “Queen Bea”. She was a caregiver all of her life. In her earlier years, she cared for family members in failing health. After their passing, Bea cared for members of the Ashland Community for more than 40 years. With her caring and warmth, she was always in high demand.
At the time she reached retirement age, where most people would hang up their career, she simply found another. In her retirement years, she was employed for McDonalds on Claremont Avenue where she was a hostess in the dining room and became famous for her parfait creations. Bea thrived on human interaction and always led others by Christian beliefs.
She married the love of her life, Earl Gene Walker on March 14, 1964.
Bea was a devoted member of the Ashland First Church of the Brethren on Third Street where she proudly served as a deaconess, helped with the bereavement committee and participated in the Clara Cassel Circle. She was a true servant of her Lord. In her personal home she created a room dedicated to her collectibles of figurines and other memorabilia all themed from the Bible Story about Noah’s Ark.
Outside of church she was a volunteer at Samaritan Hospital and Hospice of North Central Ohio to name a few. She loved building her indoor pool at home and using it daily for exercise.
She is survived by her three children, Jerry (Connie) Harmon of Ashland, Dwight Walker of Ashland, and Elizabeth “Beth” (Doug) Hickey of Nankin; her daughter-in-law, Betti Jo Harmon of Vermillion; three grandchildren, Trevor (Shelbi) Harmon of Groveport, Kreig Harmon of Madison Township, and William Harmon of Indianapolis, Indiana; two great grandchildren, Harper Harmon and Olivia Kiser, both of Ashland; special friends, Joe Mason and Karon Summer, both of Ashland; and numerous extended family and friends.
In addition to her parents, Bea was preceded in death by her loving husband of 29 years, Gene, who passed away on October 30, 1993; one son, Bill Harmon who passed away in 2010; and her brother and sister, Clyde “Jim” Baumgardner and Doris Eileen Rusinko.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Ashland First Church of the Brethren, 122 East 3rd Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 with Reverend Brian Layman presiding. Interment will be in the Ashland County Memorial Park. Friends and family may visit on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ashland First Church of the Brethren.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com