Frances Louise Beard

Frances Louise Beard, 81, of Connersville, died Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Reid Health, Richmond. Louise was born at home in Harrisburg, July 29, 1936 to Angus and Bessie Garrett Gilley. She attended Bunker Hill Elementary School and was a 1955 graduate of Connersville High School. On August 31, 1956, in the Central Christian Church parsonage, Louise married Don L. Beard. For twenty years, she was employed at Design and Manufacturing Corporation in the rack plant. Louise loyally attended Alquina United Methodist Church and was an auxiliary member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1065 Aerie, Connersville. Louise possessed a fun loving personality with a magnetic energy that caused her to never know a stranger. Louise enthusiastically participated in the Silver Sneakers Fitness Program at Healthworks Fitness Center. She enjoyed being fit and healthy. From wine tasting to concerts at the Rushville Amphitheater, Louise loved to stay active with her girlfriends. Louise’s greatest love was for her family, including her Maltese dog, Abby. Louise is survived by her daughter and son in law: Jenny L. Koons and Roger; her grandchildren and spouses: Amy Powell and Brock; Evan Koons and Taylor; her great-grandchildren: Avery and Brenna Powell, all of Connersville; her Maltese dog, Abby; her siblings and their spouses: Gene Gilley of Battle Creek, Michigan; Mac Gilley and, Rita of Findley, Ohio; Betty Beatty of Connersville; Martha York and, Jerry of Holiday, Florida; her sister-in-law: Joyce Gilley of California; several nieces, nephews and close friends. In addition to her parents, Louise is preceded in death by her husband of fifty-years, Don L. Beard, who died December 10, 2006; her brother: Thomas Gilley; her sister-in-law: Glenna Gilley; and her brother-in-law: Herman Beatty. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, September 8, 2017 at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Reverend Robb Judd of the Alquina United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery, section L. Friends may visit at the funeral home, Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. where memorial contributions may be made to the Alquina United Methodist Church or to the Lykins Charity Golf Outing. For additional information and to send the family condolences please visit www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.