Obituary of Barbara S. Beekman

Barbara Beekman passed away peacefully at home on April 21st 2024 at the age of 92.

She was born on August 16th of 1931 in North Hornell to Gordon O. Smith and Genevieve A. (Bush) Smith. Barbara spent most of her childhood in Howard, N.Y. on the family farm (Smith Stock Farms), and always referred to the farm as home.

Barbara graduated from Central Islip High School, Houghton College, and Geneseo University. She taught for several years in the Hornell School System and later retired from Greenwood Central School where she taught 5th grade.

Barbara was very active in many community organizations including The First Presbyterian Church of Bath, Steuben County Historical Society, Bath American Legion Auxiliary Post 173, Bath Chamber of Commerce Tourist Information Building, and the Red Hat Society.

Barbara’s extensive family was incredibly important to her and always came first. She is survived by her Children from her first marriage to Dr. Edwin T. Presley. Her daughter, Janet E. (Philip) Ruger, Son Edwin G. Presley both of Bath, NY, and Son Craig W. (Judith) Presley of Manassas, Virginia.

She is also survived by her Grandchildren: Erica (Michael) Mathews of Manassas, V.A., Sara Ruger of San Jose C.A., Bridget (Gregory) Henshaw of Bath, N.Y. and Taylor Presley of Hornell, N.Y. She is also survived by her 7 Great Grandchildren: Colby (Sara) Mathews, Chad Mathews, Quentin Wong, Dylan Henshaw, Tyler Henshaw, Ryan Henshaw, and Kyle Henshaw, And her great great granddaughter, Georgia Mathews. As well as many generations of cousins and extended family.

She is also survived by the children of her later husband, Richard (Dick) Beekman. Diane (Peter) Graham of Bath, N.Y., Thomas (Immer) Beekman of Katy, T.X., Richard Beekman of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Christine (Stephen) Deitrick of Lindley, N.Y., and the late Lori Beekman Gee. Grandchildren: Jonathan (Jean) Graham, Tricia (Grant) Garringer, William (Desiree) Burleson, Sara (Deitrick) Evans, the late Jeffrie Deitrick, Kelly Beekman, and Sean Beekman. Great Grandchildren: Cameron Graham, Jenna Graham, Spencer Graham, Joshua (Emalie) Lathrop, Georgia Garringer, Taylor Moore, Katlyn Snyder, and Carter Deitrick. Great Great Grandchildren: Lainey Lathrop, Rylee Lathrop, and Weston Lathrop. 

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, both spouses, son-in-law Philip Ruger, son-in-law Peter Graham, grandson Jeffrey Deitrick, and daughter Lori Beekman Gee.

Family wishes to provide a special thank you to the dedicated care providers, Jeniffer Torence, Jenna Hyde, and Kim Dinehart, from Home and Health Care Services of Hornell NY.

Friends and family are invited to call at The First Presbyterian Church of Bath on Friday, April 26 2024 at Noon - 1:00 PM. A Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 PM with Reverend John Woodring and Sis Conrad officiating. Interment will be at the Grove Cemetery in Bath, N.Y. immediately following the Funeral Service. All arrangements were made by Fagans Funeral Home of Bath NY.

Instead of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to The First Presbyterian Church of Bath at 6 East Morris Street, Bath NY, 14810, or a charity of your choice, such as St. Judes Childrens Hospital, or CareFirstNY at 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, 14870.