Carolyn Jean Beard , 87, of Tri-Lakes, passed away at 2:55 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.

Born on May 3, 1937, in Whitley County, IN, she was a daughter of the late Howard Meredith Keppler and Margaret E. (Lawrence) Keppler.  Growing up in Columbia City, she graduated from Columbia City High School in 1955.

On October 14, 1956, she married James Eugene Beard raising three children.  For the past 63 years, they have made their home at Tri-Lakes.

When her children became older, she went to work for the Whitley County Memorial Hospital in the dietary department for 15 years.  She then worked in the activities department for Miller's Merry Manor and the Oaks for about ten years.

A strong woman of faith, she was a member of the Tri-Lakes Baptist Church for over 60 years, where she was a servant in many ways, including clerk, deaconess, Sunday school teacher, artist, and cleaning crew.  A very talented artist, she enjoyed painting using many mediums.  Carolyn not only excelled at cooking but enjoyed doing it.

Living at the lake, Carolyn enjoyed the outdoors, swimming, boating, and hosting gatherings with family and friends.  In the spring, her great passion was mushroom hunting.  Enjoying camping and canoeing, trips with family, her favorite getaway place was the family cottage in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Surviving is her beloved husband of 68 years, James; two daughters, Shelley (Alger) McIntosh of Columbia City and Tina (Richard) Brown of Huntington; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister Constance (James) Grant of Culver.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a son, Kent Beard, and a great-grandchild, Taylor McIntosh.

Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  The funeral service is 11 a.m. Thursday at the Tri-Lakes Baptist Church, 5679 N Center St, Columbia City,
with visitation one hour before the service.  Burial is at a later date at the South Whitley Cemetery.

Memorials in Carolyn's honor are to the Tri-Lakes Baptist Church.