Beatty, Lucelle Rachel Lewis

Lucelle Rachel Lewis Beatty, 98, of Center Point, entered the presence of her Lord on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009. Memorial Services: 11 a.m. Thursday at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel. Per Lucelle's wishes there will be no visitation.

Lucelle was born Feb. 2, 1911, in Palo, to Claude Ira and Alice McClintock Lewis. She graduated from Palo Consolidated School and attended Coe College and Iowa State College. She married Archie C. Beatty on Sept. 28, 1929. He died March 26, 1987. Her great-grandfather, Thomas Lewis, became the first family to settle west of the Cedar River in 1839. He received title to his farm in Fayette township as a land grant patent signed by President James K. Polk, and the area was known as Lewis Bottoms. Lucelle remembered fondly her heritage in Lewis Bottoms and contributed much to the recording of its history. Her wealth of knowledge was shared to the very end.

She was employed at Younkers Department Store for over 20 years. She was a member of First Christian Church, Green's Grove Sewing Circle, Center Point Historical Society, Apple Creek Card Club, Federated Garden Club, and Knights of Pythias.

She enjoyed piecing quilts, needlework, flowers, and especially cooking and baking which she shared abundantly with family, neighbors and friends. Even in her last few years, she was able to remain in her home with her cats and Jesus as her constant companions.

Survivors include daughters, Barbara Failor (William) of Ankeny and Eloise Dennis (Dr. Robert) of Lewis Bottoms; son, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph Beatty of Center Point; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Kenneth Lewis.

Memorials may be given to Lewis Bottoms Heritage Fund at Greater Cedar Rapids Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to under Obituaries.