Inez-Bea “Bea” O’Boyle May 27, 1939 - January 22, 2026

Inez-Bea “Bea” O’Boyle

May 27, 1939- January 22, 2026

Inez-Bea “Bea” O’Boyle was raised by Marion and Elinor Leonard and graduated from St. Louis High School in 1958. On June 8, 1963, she married Norman Dean O’Boyle, and together they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and love.

Bea played an integral role in running the family business, F. O’Boyle Trucking, while also managing the household and raising four children. She was known for her many gifts and talents which included tending her beautiful flower beds, canning and freezing fresh fruits and vegetables, making her amazing cheese spread and dark green pickles, and baking for family gatherings. She enjoyed, as she would say, “testing” the smoke alarm with her cooking.

She found joy in the simple pleasures of life: watching birds from the front room (while waging a lifelong battle against those darn mischievous squirrels), playing games—especially her favorite, Greedy—and working on puzzles when she couldn’t get out and about. In her 70s, Bea and Norm took a memorable road trip to Arizona, where she met her biological sister for the first time.

Above all else, Bea’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Bea passed away peacefully at home on January 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her children: Jodie (Bill) Hubbard, Dean O’Boyle, Debbie Wert (Mike Vota), and Denny O’Boyle; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild expected soon. She is also survived by her sister, Charlene (Lyle) Hale; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Robert and Kay O’Boyle, Gordon Hahn, Larry Schnepp, Bette Alexander, and Joe Bannan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman O’Boyle; her son-in-law, Mike Wert; her grandson, Wyatt O’Boyle; her biological sister, Bette Bannan; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Janice and Jim English, Marilyn Hahn, Vicky Schnepp, and Dave Alexander.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Bea’s life will be held at a later date.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Commission on Aging for their many resources, and to Wendy and the Heartland Hospice staff for their compassionate care and support during Bea’s final days.

Memorial donations may be made in Bea’s memory to: Gratiot Commission on Aging 515 S. Pine River Street, Ithaca, MI 48847

Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.