MUNCIE - Beatrice (Bebe) M. Thomas passed away at her home on June 6, 2007.

Bebe was born on January 10, 1920 in Muncie, Indiana, the daughter of Jesse and Irene (Walters) Quirk. She lived most of her life in Muncie. Bebe graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Tipton, Indiana in 1937.

Her first job at the age of 17, was as a legal secretary to Lon Bracken of Bracken, Gray and DeFur. Mr. Bracken was Muncie City Attorney at the time. Later, Beatrice worked for Paul Lennington, attorney at law.

She married Clinton C. Thomas on June 9 1940.

Bebe became a homemaker and mother. She occasionally worked at Roth's Clothing Store and also at her mother's dress shop, Irene's on Jackson, and also for The Cotton Shop, which her mother managed.

In 1970 Bebe and Clint opened Hardi Gardens Garden Center on W. Jackson Street in Muncie. They worked together in their "mom and pop" shop until they both retired in 1981. She loved her family, her home and gardening.

Bebe had an avid interest in genealogy. She taught herself how to use a computer after the age of 70. Beatrice made many friends through her genealogical research and had many e-mail friendships.

Through her research, she became a member of The Mayflower Society, and The Daughters of the American Revolution. Her research also made Clint a member of The Sons of the American Revolution.

Mrs. Thomas is survived by her daughter, Phoebe Irene Wantz; four grandchildren, Chris Lovelock, Orlando, Florida, Amy L. Bassett (husband-Steve), Muncie, Tim T. Wantz, Indianapolis, and Katharine I. Gigerich (husband-Larry), Indianapolis; two men she loved as grandsons, although not related, William Carr (wife-Julie), Indianapolis, and Gary Rice, London, England; six great-grandchildren, Rachel L. Bassett, Lindley A. Bassett, Jessica I. Gigerich, William T. Gigerich, Patrick L. Gigerich and Eli L. Gigerich; cousins, Michael Wallace (wife-Jody), Muncie, Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Wallace, Muncie, Marjorie McFadden (husband-Robert), Anderson, and Tom Walters (wife-Libby), Newport News, Virginia; one niece, Barbara Cash (husband-Rodney), Arizona; one nephew, Kent Thomas, Minnesota and several other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Clinton Thomas; and her parents, Jesse and Irene (Walters) Quirk; a beloved aunt, Bessie Hole; and one great granddaughter, Jenny Sue Gigerich.

Services will be held in the Meeks Mortuary and Crematory Chapel, Washington Street Chapel, at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, 2007, with Rev. Mark Tweedy officiating. Burial will follow in Beech Grove Cemetery.

Friends may call at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Memorials may be directed to the Animal Rescue Fund (A.R.F.) 1209 W. Riggin Road, Muncie, IN 47304.

Online condolences may be sent to www.meeksmortuary.com.

Submitted with honor and respect.