Beatrice Jennie Pray January 15, 1931 - July 7, 2011

Beautiful Bea, inside and out till the very last breath of her life on this earth when she passed away peacefully surrounded by family and caregivers during the last few weeks of her life.

Bea, (nicknamed Tessie) was a woman that you would be blessed by had you ever crossed her path in life. We were blessed and honored to call her "Mom." One of her favorite questions in life was, "Is there anything I can do for you today?" And always hoping there was! Never one to sit idle even for a moment, if you were fortunate enough to be in her home for a visit, she would be attending to your every need with never a shortage of food and desserts in front of you! Bea had a selfless servant's heart that always went first to others before giving any consideration to herself, which brought her great joy.

Bea was born in Los Angeles, California, where she also attended high school. Upon graduation, she attended Biola University in L.A., where she met the love of her life, Don, in their freshman year. Don was so smitten with her that he couldn't wait beyond their second date to ask her for her hand in marriage! They were married August 4, 1951, and would be celebrating their 60th year of love in a few days.

Bea and Don left California in 1967 for the windy city of Chicago, living in the western suburbs for 22 years, where Don worked for Sears in the newly built Sears Tower, and watching their family grow.

After retiring, Don and Bea travelled west to Sisters to be near family who are all currently living in Central Oregon. Bea loved living here for over 20 years, especially as she could hover over her growing family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never wanting to miss any of their activities and accomplishments while wildly cheering them on.

Bea enjoyed several different jobs over the years, but her favorite was working in a floral department where she touched so many hearts and lives with her artful eye that made each arrangement a personal gift.

She also enjoyed playing piano early in her life for church and special events - she was highly involved with her senior group at church - but her greatest joy and first priority was always her faith and love for her Lord and Savior and the wellbeing of her entire family.

Bea's living family is her loving husband Donald, who resides in Bend; her three children, Donald K. Pray and wife Corinne, Jan Pray, Jenny Denzer and husband Terry, all of Sisters; her grandchildren Shawn and Tonya Pray, Chere Pray, Nikki and Jason Jensen, Brett Pray, Geoff and Jennifer Houk, Lucas and Aubrey Denzer; great-grandchildren Brody, Colton, Sadee', Alyssa, Darian, and another great-granddaughter due September 3.

Bea is in heaven with her son Dennis, her brother George W. Kent, along with her parents, Alexander and Helen Kent.

"Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." We praise you, our dearly beloved "Beautiful Bea."

A celebration of Bea's life will be held on their upcoming 60th anniversary on Thursday, August 4, at noon at Sisters Community Church, 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy.

Information provided by the family of Bea Pray.