Beatrice "Bee" Findlay

1918 - 2015

BEATRICE "BEE" FINDLAY Beatrice "Bee" Findlay passed away peacefully, surrounded by Family, on February 20, 2015. She was 97 years old. Born on February 13, 1918 to Jettie and John Bagwell in Kellerman, Alabama, she moved to Chico with her Family in 1920. She attended Chico Public Schools and graduated from Chico High School in 1936. She earned two degrees from Chico State College. On July 2, 1938, Bee married "The Love of her Life," Robert "Bob" Findlay. Bob and Bee had two children: Ronald Gary and Margaret Ann, four grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchil-dren. They celebrated 62 years of marriage before Bob passed away in August, 2000. Bee was a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher in the Chico Public Schools from 1953 until 1973. She started at Linden School and finished at Parkview School. After Bee retired from teaching and Bob retired from Pacific Telephone, they spent 23 years owning and managing a horse boarding ranch in Chico. They also owned, bred and showed Arabian horses. Bee and Bob were dedicated members of Calvary Chapel in Chico for many years. They were also active in Cal Norte Arabian Horse Association. Bee's professional organizations included Delta Phi Upsilon, Honorary Fraternity for Early Childhood Education, and Delta Kappa Gamma, Honorary Fraternity for Educators. Bee is survived by her two children: Margaret Smith (Sam) and Ronald Findlay (Lynda); her four grandchildren, and her twelve great grandchildren. She is also survived by two of her brothers: Lewis Bagwell and Earl Bagwell, both of Chico, and several wonderful nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Jettie Bagwell, her Stepmother, Mina Bagwell, her Brother John, and her Sisters Elsie Woolery and Lois Brummett. Bee will be remembered as a wonderful teacher, a devoted mother and grandmother, a favorite aunt, an outstanding cook and baker, a gifted gardener, an avid reader, an enthusiastic picnic participant, a horse and cat lover, a dedicated student of the Bible, and a faithful Christian. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 21, at Calvary Chapel in Chico, at 11:00 A.M. The address is 1888 Springfield Dr. Chico 95928. A Reception with food will follow the Service. All who knew Bee are welcome.