Lila “Bea” Kettl, 83, of Beaumont, died Saturday, February 21, 2015. She was born on December 8, 1931, in Eden, Texas, to May Elizabeth Taylor Garrett and Lonnie Lee Garrett.

Bea went to school in May, Texas, Galveston for a short time and graduated from May High School. She was active in sports, especially basketball. After graduation from high school she went to Texas A&I University in Kingsville where she met the love of her life, Henry Kettl. They were married June 10, 1950 in Robstown, Texas.

After Henry graduated they moved to Beaumont. They had 5 children; Stena, Lonnie, James, Celeste, and Sean. Bea had many interests and enthusiasms. When she was interested in something, she pursued it with passion. She did leather work and ceramics. She was a well known seamstress making dance recital costumes and wedding dresses. She chauffeured her children to their many activities and volunteered in their schools. She was a leader for Camp Fire Girls and a den mother for Cub Scouts. She went shrimping with her son Lonnie and loved spending time at the beach. Many family gatherings at the beach involved hours of competitive card games. Bea and Henry also became very active in Marriage Encounter and made many lifelong friends there.

Retirement allowed Bea and Henry to travel extensively. They travelled all across the country and loved to visit Las Vegas, Sedona, and the Indian Reservations. Bea became very interested in Indian lore, culture, spiritual and alternative healing which led to a very successful practice in massage therapy, aroma therapy, and crystal healing. She was also a Reiki Master.

Bea is best described as a free spirit and loving life. She had a “can do” approach. She thought if someone could do something there was no reason why she couldn’t do it. This sometimes led to interesting results!

Bea and Henry loved to play BINGO which she continued to play in later years at Collier Park. She was so excited when she won. Bea lived at Collier Park for the past four and a half years. She considered the residents and staff of Collier Park as part of her extended family. She often questioned why she was still here and she decided that her purpose in life was to tell people how much she appreciated them. Connie, Helen, and Terral were her special helpers at Collier Park and she loved them so much.

Survivors include children, Stena Kettl of Richmond, Texas; Lonnie Kettl and his wife, Melinda, of Zachary, Louisiana; Celeste Kendrick of Greeley, Colorado; and Sean Kettl of Beaumont; grandchildren, Cydney Meyer, Genesis VanConant, Casey Meyer, Erin Kettl, Heather Kettl, Lauren Kendrick, and Scott Kendrick; brother, Rhitt Garret and his wife, Janet, of Hockessin, Delaware; sister, Ann Norsworthy and her husband, Brian, of Beaumont; and daughter-in-law, Tina Kettl.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry G. Kettl; brother, Ira William Garrett; and son, James Kettl.

A gathering of Mrs. Kettl’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2015, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A funeral mass will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 4445 Avenue A, Beaumont. A reception will be held in the parish hall immediately after the service.

Memorial contribution may be made to Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, 5950 Kelly Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707 or to a charity of one’s choice.