Beulah "Bea" McHattie Gilkey

Beulah "Bea" McHattie Gilkey, 89, formerly of South Beaver Twp. died on Sunday, June 12, 2011 at the Heritage Valley Hospital in Beaver following a short illness.

Born December 16, 1921 in Big Beaver Boro, PA, she was the daughter of the late K. Wayne and Martha L. McKinney McHattie.

She was married to Ronald L. Gilkey Sr. for 68 years when he passed away on August 6, 2010.

Bea was a former nursing instructor at St. Francis School of Nursing in New Castle. She graduated from the former Beaver Valley General Hospital School of Nursing and Geneva College. She was a member of the Brush Run United Methodist Church. Bea was also a member of the Beaver Falls New Century Club, a Little Beaver Lioness, a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star - Chapter 124, Outlook Club, and Charlie's Angels Dance Club.

Survivors include a daughter in law - Patricia Gilkey of New Galilee, a brother and sister in law - Irvin (Eleanor) McHattie of Houston, TX and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Ronald L. Gilkey Jr. on June 10, 2007.

Per her request, there will be no public visitation.
A private graveside service was held at the White Church Cemetery in New Galilee.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Beaver County Humane Society Po Box 63 Monaca, Pa. 15061.

 

In Loving Memory

I am a former student of Mrs. Gilkey's. She was my instructor of my 1st nursing class in 1980....and if you ask anyone in my class about Mrs. Gilkey she was known for her sweetness and her 'dear little pencil'. I would not be where I am today if it were not for people like Mrs. Gilkey. I have developed and am in charge of a evaluating system of physicians for 3 hospitals in OHIO...I hope Mrs Gilkey would be proud. I can still see her smile and her red lipstick. I'm sorry she had to go thru the pain and suffering of losing her son before her time, as I have done the same and she of all people deserved all the happiness in the world as she touched so many hearts.

I know death of a loved one brings saddness and grief to friends & family, but please understand when I read her name and her history of being a nursing instructor - my nursing instructor, I smiled knowing I was blessed that our paths had crossed; there was and only will be one very special Mrs. Gilkey. Thank you Mrs. Gilkey for being you and helping me be me.....

Respectfully,
Karen Kovach, RN, BSN

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