Catherine "Katie" R. Beeks, 88, formerly of Liberty Center, went peacefully to her Heavenly home surrounded by her family on Friday afternoon, Nov. 11, 2022, at River Terrace Retirement Community.

Katie was born in Trenton, GA, on Oct. 28, 1934, to John and Mary (West) Hancock.  She married Ivan D. Beeks Sr. in Bluffton on Oct. 29, 1950.  He preceded her in death on May 21, 1997.

Katie and Ivan owned and operated Beeks Grocery and Gas in Liberty Center for almost 40 years.  She was a member of New Beginning Church and enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, working with her flowers and plants, and collecting Garfield memorabilia.  More than anything else, Katie enjoyed spending time with her family.

Survivors include a daughter, Debra Lakis of Bluffton; three sons, Ivan (Wendy) Beeks Jr. of Bluffton, Don (Sara) Beeks of Willshire, OH, and Tony Beeks (Karen Nash) of Bluffton; a sister, Joan Beeks of Bluffton; along with nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, from 10:00 AM until 2:30 PM, at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton, followed immediately by a funeral service at 2:30 PM, with Steve Sutton officiating.  Burial will follow at Mossburg Cemetery in Wells County.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.