Beatrice Neuman-Childs

Beatrice "Bea" Childs, 85, of Chesterfield, Missouri, passed away on November 29th, 2022. Bea was born January 5, 1937 in Cardington, Ohio to Hugh and Mildred Blakely. After graduating from Cardington High School in 1954, she took a clerical position in Galion, Ohio where she met her first true love, Robert "Bob" Neuman. They wed in 1958 and remained in Galion, Ohio where they had three children: Craig, Kristi, and Steven. In 1967, Bob took a position in St. Louis, leaving close family and friends in pursuit of their dream. In 1968, they welcomed a fourth child, Michelle.
Bea found comfort and fellowship with many new friends at St. Luke's Lutheran Church (now Good Shepherd Lutheran Church). Bea was an avid sports fan and attended the majority of her children's football, baseball and softball games. When she wasn't at the fields, she was spending countless hours in the garden creating beautiful flower beds and container gardens and took part in a Garden Club. She took classes in tole painting and turned out she was quite talented! She was a fierce competitor taking part in a bowling league and tennis league and was always up for a "friendly" game of Dominoes with the family. Evenings were spent needle pointing or knitting.
When her husband Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 31, she launched a successful career in real estate all the while remaining Bob's loyal, loving caretaker until his passing at age 61.
In 2001, Bea married fellow church member and longtime friend, Jerome (Jerry) Childs, after the passing of their spouses. She delighted in traveling with Jerry and their mutual friends from church and cherished trips with her sister, Karen, and her (late) brother-in-law, Steve. Bea and Jerry relished their winters in Bonita Beach, Florida where Bea was overjoyed with visits from her children and grandchildren.

Bea's spirit was one of pure grace; an infectious smile that would light up the room and she LOVED to LAUGH! Somewhat introverted while still the life of the party. She enjoyed friends from all walks of life. She was an incredible listener and a selfless, loving Mother and Wife. While she will be greatly missed, it brings peace knowing she is rejoicing in the reunion of passed husbands, relatives and friends.
Home at last.

Bea is survived by her children, Craig (Susan) Neuman, Kristi Neuman, Steven (Debra) Neuman, and Michelle (Andy) Spielberg; grandchildren Nick (Shelby) Neuman, Blake (Kelly) Neuman, Brady Neuman, Robby Neuman, Alec (Danielle) Neuman, Brendan Neuman, Grant Neuman, Connor Spielberg, and Hannah Spielberg; sister, Karen (the late Steve) Cantlon; sister-in-law, Patricia (the late Dan) O'Donnell; and nieces, nephews, and a host of other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Mildred Blakely; husband by first marriage, Robert Neuman; husband by second marriage, Jerome Childs; and brothers, Richard (Kate) Blakely and Keith Blakely.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 9th, 2022, at Newcomer West County Chapel, 2211 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, Missouri, 63017.
A private burial will follow, wherein Bea will be laid to rest alongside her first husband, Bob Neuman, at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Ellisville, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, friends may consider a charitable gift in her memory to:
American Parkinsons Disease Association, www.apdaparkinson.org
Dementia Society of America, www.dementiasociety.org


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