Lois Jeanette Beard, 89, died Dec. 6, 2010, at Wesley Towers, Thorne Care Center, Hutchinson.

She was born Oct. 8, 1921, in Minneola, the daughter of William Wallace and Iva Jane Lathan Beard.

She graduated from Fowler High School, Sterling College in 1944 and in 1956 she received her Master's Degree from Northern University of Colorado, Greeley, Colo. A resident of Hutchinson since 1949, she was a retired kindergarten teacher of 42 years, spending five years in Kinsley and 37 years at Winans and McCandless Elementary Schools.

She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Civic Center - Hutchinson, and the Hutchinson Area Retired Teachers.

Survivors include: niece, Cindy Hoffman and husband Alan, Littleton, C olo.; great-nephew, Cole Hoffman; great-niece, Lainey O'Toole and husband Ryan; and niece-in-law, Ginny Beard.

She was preceded in death by brothers, Willis and E. Keith Beard; sister, Pauline Beard; sister-in-law, Juanita Beard; and nephew, Larry Beard.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Pat Ault-Duell presiding. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, Thursday and Friday at the mortuary. Cremation has taken place. Inurnment of cremains will be at a later date in Minneola.

In lieu of flowers, stuffed Teddy Bears are requested and they will be donated to the Police Dept. to be given to children in crisis.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave personal condolences for the family.