Umberger, Beatrice Irene Mayer Mason

Beatrice Irene Mayer Mason Umberger, 87, of Radford, Va.,r born in Richwood, Ohio, peacefully passed on February 12, 2011. She was born April 10, 1923, the first child of the late Leon Goldsmith Mayer and Charlotte Louise Hill Mayer. Bea was preceded in death by sisters, Maxine Mayer and Margaret Mayer Teets, husbands, Calvin J. Mason Sr. and Worth B. Umberger. She is survived by Cal, Suzette and Doug and Brenda Mason, Wesley and Beth, Omer and Kathy, Rodney and Margaret Umberger; along with ten “grand-sweeties” and two “great-grand sweeties.” She was a long time member of Grove United Methodist Church and proud to have been a Methodist since age ten. One of her many loves was teaching. Having been a schoolteacher for forty years and a recipient of the Broward County, Fla. “Teacher of the Year” award, a teacher she remained. Having been a social “Bea,” she shared her love of life with many. Never in need of great friends, rides, or a bridge game, she considered herself the most grateful woman in the United States. She was a lover of the simple things; having said, “you can never take the country out of the girl.” Never having a dull moment, she delighted in having over 50 hobbies. She was an eternal optimist and a constant encouragement to friends and family, sharing with all her personal motto “HAPPY–HAPPY!” Her last words in this life were “Thank You, God!” Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 1 p.m. in the Grove United Methodist Church, Radford with the Rev. Karen M. Lane officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church prior to the service. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.