Beatrice Annette Kreiner

Beatrice Annette (Ryckman-Childers) Kreiner passed away at her home in North Branch on December 16, 2024. She was 84.
Beatrice was born on election day, November 5, 1940, the eldest child of William Albert and Maud Minerva (Hix) Ryckman, on the family farm in Goodland Township.
She grew up in the Imlay City area, attending Walker Country School and then Imlay City High. She went back to school after raising her family and proudly received her high school diploma from North Branch Adult Ed in 1983.
Beatrice enjoyed the simple things in life, working outside in her flowers, feeding her backyard birds, tending to her house plants, looking at old pictures and especially reading newspapers. The Lapeer County Press being her weekly highlight, often clipping small news articles, obituaries and dates to remember. She loved a good thrift shop, going to garage sales and flea markets; always bringing treasures home for her family. She was an avid sky watcher, often calling her kids to tell them to look up and see the moon, rainbow, or a pretty cloud. Most of all, she cherished the time spent with her family. She would tell you; her best days were the ones that she got to see or talk on the phone to all six of her children. She was happiest with a baby on her lap, a cup of blonde coffee and a donut-reminiscing about the good 'ole days. Her joyful laugh will always be remembered.
Beatrice never met a stranger and would visit with people wherever she went, proudly sharing about her family to whomever would listen. She had many lifelong friends and enjoyed her North Branch church families at Simple Truth and Faith Community and Brown City Missionary during the time she lived in Brown City. Bea loved the Lord and truly looked forward to peace in Heaven.
Later in life, Beatrice found love in her special friend Walter Turner. They enjoyed going on motorcycle rides together and watching their favorite game shows, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She especially enjoyed the few winters they spent together in Salome, Arizona.
She was a gentle, sweet and easy-going lady and she will be deeply missed. Left to treasure her love and memory are her 6 children, Annnette Dombrowski, Janel (Andy) Wright, Nancy Bacon, Dawn (Erin) Diller, Bryon Childers, Brenda (Jerry) Johnson, 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, sister and best friend Bonnie Bader, special brother Lynn (Gloria) Ryckman, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Andy, great-grandson Darren, sons-in-law David Bacon and Andy Dombrowski, brothers Albert, Larry, Carl and Daniel.
A celebration of life will be held on January 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Faith Community Church in North Branch. Arrangements by Jansen Funeral Home, Columbiaville. Share memories, condolences, and pictures with the family at www.jansenfuneralhome.com.