Leita Beard

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Leita “Mae” D. Beard, 90 of Erie, Passed away at 11:23 p.m., Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Labette Health in Parsons.

She was born on February 21, 1933 in Galesburg to Lewis Granville “Dutch” and Bernice (Peterson) Shrum. Leita grew up in Galesburg and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1951.

Leita was preceded in death by her son who was the love of her life, Mark Redmon; four brothers, Keith Shrum, Jaydee Srum, Kenneth “Kenny” Shrum and Ernie Shrum; and one sister Lois Bowman.

She enjoyed sewing, was an excellent cook and loved to drive fast in her car. She was always ready for a drag race with another vehicle. Leita loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She and James Dee Redmon Jr. were married on August 10, 1952 at Galesburg Christian Church and they later divorced. He preceded her in death on August 11, 2021. She and Richard G. Beard were married on December 24, 1977 at Galesburg Christian Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. He preceded her in death on November 22, 2000.

Leita was a mother and friend to son, Jeffrey D. Redmon along with Terri C. McGowen of Lenexa, KS, and a lovely daughter, Connie D. Ainsworth of Wichita, and a daughter-in-law, Karen “Maggie” Logue of Norman, OK; grandson, Jeffrey “Dutch” Redmon and his wife, Stephanie, with great-grandchildren, Jayden, Ryley, Presley and Jaxyn; granddaughter, Abby R. Redmon and partner, Michael, with great-grandchildren, Jester and Jovy; granddaughter, Katie Collum and her husband, Kelly, with great-grandchildren, Alma Mae and Miles; grandson, London Cooper Redmon; grandson, Bryce Tharp and his wife, Naomi; granddaughter, Brandee Gray, with great-grandchildren, Ashley, Danny and Noah; her brother, Everett Shrum and his wife, Lois of Overland Park, KS and sisters-in-law, Sonya Shrum of Derby, KS and Bonna Jean Shrum of Joplin, MO.

Leita dedicated the majority of her life to the noble role of homemaker. She selflessly committed her life to creating a loving and nurturing home for her children and grandchildren. Leita worked for Power Flame for several years as a quality control forman. She was a member of Galesburg Christian Church for her whole life.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 22, 2024 at Galesburg Christian Church. The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons. That time will be announced later. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Galesburg. Memorials will are suggested to Galesburg Christian Church and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.