Elsie Beougher

Elsie Irene Beougher, 75, of Rockford, died early Friday morning, March 1, 2019, at home, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born March 3, 1943, in Decatur, Indiana, the daughter of Delbert and Catherine (Banning) Thatcher.  She was a graduate of the last class of Rockford High School, the Class of 1961.  On July 6, 1963, she married Lowell Beougher, and he survives in Rockford.  They enjoyed a life together for almost 56 years.  In her high school years, Elsie could be found at Van Fleet Drug Store in Rockford, behind the soda fountain, dishing out sweets and making all kinds of milkshakes and phosphates for all the kids and adults who came for a treat.  After graduation, she worked at Thrifty Feeds and Occidental Chemical Plants, both in Rockford.  She then began her career in management at Central Insurance in Van Wert, where she worked for 21 years before retiring in 2004.  Elsie made the area her home her entire life, where she and Lowell raised two wonderful children, Tracy and Curtis.  She attended Praise Point Church in Willshire, Ohio, and over the years, Elsie and Lowell hosted six foreign exchange students, with whom she still kept in touch.  Three of the exchange students were from Chile, two were from Finland, and one was from Thailand.  They enjoyed the experience of bringing these children into their home and learning about their homeland and enjoyed all the fun things they did with them and their own children.  Elsie loved her little dog Tucker, who was beside her always, and especially since her illness—he would lay by her side in bed, and always kept watch over her…..

Surviving in addition to her husband Lowell, is her daughter, Tracy (Chris) Heitkamp of Rockford and four grandchildren, Hannah, Halle, Chase, and Kyrsten, all whom she loved dearly.  They were her pride and joy.  Also surviving are a daughter-in-law, Amy Beougher of Celina; one brother, Eugene (Vivian) Thatcher of Willshire, Ohio and five sisters:  Virgie Lister, Decatur; Marjorie “Marty” (Larry) Hileman, Rockford; Virginia (Harold) Vanhorn, Decatur; Darlene “Darly” (Conley) Marsee, Rockford; and Mary Dick, Decatur, along with many nieces and nephews.  Deceased is her son, Curtis Beougher; five brothers:  Reynold, Preston, Alvin, Joe, and an infant brother, Monte; and three sisters:  Bonnie Sutton, Juanita Cable, and Rose Johnson.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Praise Point Church in Willshire, Ohio, with Pastor Brad Kittle officiating.  Friends may call at Praise Point on Tuesday, March 5, from 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.  Private graveside services will be held for the family at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to The Shanes Park Legacy Fund, P.O. Box 16, Rockford, Ohio, 45882.  Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com  Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, is handling Elsie’s services.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Elsie Irene (Thatcher) Beougher, please visit our Tree Store.