Bey, Ann

Ann Bey, 76, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at the Woodlands Care Center following an extended illness.A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Ann Rita Bey was born Jan. 13, 1936, the daughter of Hans and Ida Hasler in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.Ann grew up in Cedar Rapids and was a lifelong member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Ann graduated from Franklin High School and Coe College with degrees in business administration and English.While at Coe, she was an active member and president of the local chapter of Kappa Delta sorority and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society … “Love of learning is the guide of life.”

After graduating from college, Ann started a family and became a full-time mother and community volunteer.Ann loved her family and she loved the Cedar Rapids community.

If you attended an event at the Cedar Rapids Community Theater or Paramount Theatre in the 1970s or 1980s, you probably saw Ann and she may have helped you find your seat.She was an active member of the Cedar Rapids Symphony Guild and frequent volunteer usher.She helped promote and sell tickets for local musicals and The Follies and she loved attending as many performances as possible.Ann would have been thrilled to see the reopening of the Paramount Theatre!

Ann was also president of the Cedar Rapids Children's Theater.If you remember the happy little ear of corn, you remember Playtime Poppy.Ann loved working with children and providing them with learning opportunities.Whether it was coordinating 30 volunteers for a Playtime Poppy production or convincing her children to finish their homework, Ann was committed to education.

In addition to her work for the Symphony and local theaters, Ann loved volunteering for St Luke's Hospital, where she served as chairwoman for the Flower Stall and was a member of the Steering Committee for the St. Luke's Hospitality House and St. Luke's Auxiliary.Ann was also a member of TTT, PEO and the Cedar Rapids PTA Council.

Ann enjoyed skiing, tennis, golf and other outdoor activities with family and friends.Her good physical health was a blessing throughout her life, but especially in her later years.

In 1984, Ann began a new career teaching business classes at Kirkwood.From 1986-1997, she taught business, language arts and writing classes in the Cedar Rapids School District.Once again, she was participating in the learning process, but now as an official ‘guide.'She loved learning and providing educational opportunities for others.

Survivors include her brother, Jim (Virginia) Sibert; sister, Faye (Dean) Holm; daughters, Kathy (Jay) Towe and Suzanne (Steve) Hilton; a son, Craig (Patty); and two grandchildren, Sophie and Harrison.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Meth-Wick Community and all of Ann's friends who have been there for her over the years.

To honor Ann's legacy, memorial contributions may be sent to Coe College Advancement Department, 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

Published Dec. 9, 2012 in The Gazette