Beatrice M. Calhoon, 95, of Ontario passed away Friday, May 1, 2015. She was born July 10, 1919, to Horse and Ruth (Palen) Calhoon.
Bea was united in marriage to Keith Calhoon Sept. 26, 1940, in Waukon, Iowa. Over the years, she worked at Tillman’s in Wilton and for Rayovac Batteries. It was her love of cooking that helped turn her hobby into a career. She owned and operated two restaurants, both in Ontario. Each endeavor brought her and her patrons great joy. Bea was driven by her faith and loved her church. She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who will be missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Gene Calhoon of Ontario, Caroline Willis of Ontario, Kathy Downing of Ontario, and Kay (Jim) Ziegler of Lewiston, Minn.; her grandchildren, Tim Willis, Ron (Tammy) Willis, Nicole (Wayne) Slaney, Candie Dunwald, Stacy (Brenda) Downing, Danielle (Derek) Ziegler and Lindsey (Kevin) Ziegler; 17 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Blackburn; her special and dear extended family, Colleen Roy, Ruth (Keith) Corriveau, John Blackburn and Rose (Tony) Hall; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Keith; her son, Darrel; a granddaughter, Tami Willis; and a son-in-law, Bruce Downing.
Funeral services were Monday, May 4, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman officiated. Burial followed in Hilltop Rest Cemetery in Ontario. The Torkelson Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
