Beatrice Ann Grimm

GRIMM, Beatrice (Bea) Ann Lawton Age 77 Passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2014, after a long illness. She was attended at home by her children throughout her struggle with pancreatic cancer, and was surrounded by family and friends at her time of passing. Bea was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on April 19, 1937, the daughter of Nolan and Florence Bentley, and was a resident of Mattawan and Vicksburg. She graduated from Mattawan High School in 1955 and went to work in the accounting department of Consumers Power Co. and later worked at the Upjohn Company. She married Jack Curtis Hicks, of Kalamazoo, on March 24, 1956, and they had two sons, Michael P. Hicks and Terry L. Hicks. Jack preceded her in death on October 24, 1977. Bea married Robert L. Grimm on July 2, 1981, and adopted her two daughters, Susan M. Grimm and Mary Jo Grimm. A long-time member of Almena United Methodist Church, Bea enjoyed singing tenor in the choir and participated in many cantatas. She loved music of all types and played and taught violin. Bea is survived by her husband, Robert Grimm, of Mattawan, Michigan; and her children, Michael P. (Margaret) Hicks, of Marcellus, Michigan; Terry L. (Dan Heim) Hicks, of Ypsilanti, Michigan; Susan M. Grimm, of Lawrence, Michigan; Mary Jo Grimm, of Three Rivers, Michigan; Debra Taylor, of Rocklin, California; Diane (Richard) Kellogg, of Lawton, Michigan; and Robert (Michele) Franklin, of Rodney, Michigan; her brother, Richard (Joy) Bentley, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Almena United Methodist Church, 27503 CR 375, Paw Paw, Michigan 49079, on Saturday, June 14, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. Please direct memorials to Hospice of Southwest Michigan or the church.