Edith M. Backus Beaty

Edith Marie (Backus) Beaty, 79, of Meriden, Kansas, died on Thursday, January 18, 2018.   She was born September 8, 1938, in rural Shawnee County the daughter of Ray Frank and Minnie Ella (Riddle) Backus.   Edith graduated from Meriden Rural High School in 1956, and was elected the homecoming queen in the fall of 1955. She worked for the State of Kansas prior to working for the United States Marine Corps in Kansas City, Missouri. Edith later retired from her civilian job with the U.S. Marines after 21 years of service. She enjoyed many outdoor activities including boating and water skiing at area lakes in Kansas and Missouri. Edith was an avid animal lover, and cherished the companionship and memories of her many pet dogs over the years. Edith enjoyed horseback riding in her earlier years.  Edith enjoyed spending time with and entertaining her nieces and nephews. They all share fond memories of going to her home in Shawnee, Kansas, and swimming in her pool along with many other activities, especially playing 10 point pitch. She was a longtime member of the Meriden Community Church.

She was married to Bill Ellis Beaty on December 3, 1965. Bill preceded her in death on July 4, 1999.   She was also preceded in death by her parents, by her sister, Leah Backus, and brother Walter Backus.

Survivors include, two sisters, Geraldine Malvasia of Niles, Ohio, and Gwendolyn McClurg of Meriden, Kansas one brother, Bruce Backus of Ypsilanti, Michigan, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Friday, January 26, 2018, at Davidson Funeral Home. Private family services will be held later and Mrs. Beaty will be laid to rest at Meriden Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, Edith requested memorial contributions may be made to the Jefferson County Humane Society in care of Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66608. To leave the family a message or read her full obituary please visit www.davidsonfuneral.com