Margaret Ruth Beam, age 92, of Ocala, Florida and formerly of Chesterville, Ohio, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Hawthorne Center for Rehabilitation and Healing. She was born on June 9, 1933, in Freemont, Ohio, the daughter of Chester and A. Grace (Davis) Sipes.
Margaret is survived by her four children, Julie (Larry) Tiller, Leslie Beam, Wesley (Patti) Beam, and Corby (Neida) Beam; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and her sister, Jane (James) Rose.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Arnold W. Beam, and her daughter, Susan (Denise) Beam.
After graduating from Chesterville High School, Margaret built a life centered on family, creativity, and shared purpose. She and Arnold made their home in Chesterville, Ohio, where they raised their family and co-owned and operated several businesses, including a grocery store and the Chesterville Convalescent Home alongside her parents, Chester and Grace Sipes. She also worked as an Amway salesperson for several years.
In time, they moved to Florida and later to North Carolina, continuing their work together as business owners in each community they called home – including Hilltop Mobile Home Park, a consignment shop, and a gas station. Margaret played an important role in both their businesses and the life they built together. She also served as a Sunday school teacher at West Thonotosassa Baptist Church until she experienced a life-altering stroke and was no longer able to continue.
Margaret had a love for the arts and spent many hours over the years working with porcelain and fine china painting. She also enjoyed playing the organ for family, friends, and at church, sharing her music and faith with those around her. She cared deeply for her family and appreciated time spent together – always filled with laughter and love.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, beginning at 1 pm at the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home, 201 Newark Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 where friends may call from 12 noon until the time of service. Pastor Michael J. Beam (her grandson) will be officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Chesterville, Ohio.
Margaret asked for no flowers but to give all memorial contributions to Ambassador Baptist College, Lattimore, North Carolina – PO Box 158, Lattimore, NC 28089 – 704.434.0303.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Margaret Ruth Beam.
Funeral Home: Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com