Betty J. Beard, 92, formerly of Columbia City, died at 9:45 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, at Ossian Health and Rehabilitation Center in Ossian where she had resided since January.

She was born in Columbia City on Oct. 20, 1926, a daughter of the late Frank S. and Catherine (Miller) Bolyard. A life-long resident of Whitley County, she graduated from Larwill High School in 1944.

On July 9, 1944, she was united in marriage to Argyle E. Beard. They made their home in Thorncreek Twp. He died Feb. 12, 2012.

She began her work career in 1951, with Weatherhead later, Dana-Weatherhead Corp. She worked in purchasing and became a production control manager, retiring in November 1984 after 33 years of service. She was a 58-year member of Columbia City United Methodist Church where she was active in the Woman’s Group and taught Sunday school. She served many years as a 4H leader.

A talented quilter, she made full size bed quilts for all of grandchildren for their high school graduation. They are now cherished heirlooms. She enjoyed watching all sports, especially basketball, maintaining season tickets to CCHS Eagles basketball for over ten years.

She is survived by two daughters, Karen Spichiger of Oak Brook, Ill.; and Barbara (James) Lambert of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren: Ana Maria (Michael) Dawson of St. Charles, Ill.; Amy Jo Marlow of Tulsa, Okla.; Michael (Heather) Marlow of Millersburg; Derek Floyd of Graniteville, S.C.; and Darren (Shaye) Floyd, of Ossian; five great-grandchildren, Cody Floyd, Taylor Floyd, Robert Dawson, Ainsley Marlow and Levi Marlow.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a son, Eugene Beard; a grandson, Jason Floyd; sons-in-law, James Floyd and Lloyd Spichiger; a sister, Catherine Thompson; and a brother, Sterling Bolyard.

The funeral service is 1 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at a later date at South Park Annex Cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the service Friday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Columbia City Lodge 189 F. & A. M. or the Columbia City UMC Music Ministry