Beatrice L. Mercer

Beatrice L. Mercer, age 90 of Hennis Care Center at Dover and formerly of New Philadelphia died peacefully, Wednesday, July 17, 2013.

A daughter of the late Albert and Marie (Correll) Miller, Bea, as she was known to family and friends was born at Dover, Ohio on February 11, 1923.

She attended Dover City Schools and was a long-time member of the First Church of the Nazarene at New Philadelphia as well as a charter member of the New Philadelphia Navy Mothers of America.

Bea and her late husband Robert E. “Red” Mercer shared in nearly 56 years of marriage prior to his death in March of 1994 and as a couple reared six children.

Through the years, Bea cleaned houses for a number of area residents and was employed by the former Puritan Laundry at New Philadelphia. Above all, she enjoyed her family; making sure each of her children and grandchildren were well cared for.

She is survived by four children, Jean (Ron) Kimble of Dover and Bella (fiancé, Brian Hunt) Harding of Tuscarawas; two sons, Richard P. Mercer and Gary (Sarah) Mercer both of Dover; a brother-in-law, Lomas Schuman; 16 grandchildren and numerous great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bea was preceded in death by a son, Robert Mercer, Jr.; a daughter, Sandra Scott; a brother, George Miller; two sisters, Isabel Schuman and Anna Ritenour and two grandsons.

The family will receive guests on Sunday, July 21, 2013 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Reverend Lomas Schuman will lead a graveside service celebrating Bea’s life on Monday, July 22, 2013 at 9:00 AM in the Dover Burial Park.

Memorial contributions in Bea’s name may be directed to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to First Church of the Nazarene, 233 Fair Avenue NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Bea by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.GeibCares.com.