Flotie Ellen Abrams Beach

Richmond, Indiana – Flotie Ellen (Abrams) Beach, 89, of Richmond, Indiana, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, April 10, 2025, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Ellen was born on April 28, 1935, in Clover Bottom, Madison County, Kentucky, to Vaughn and Dixie Abrams. After her father's passing, she and her siblings were lovingly raised by their mother in Lynn, Indiana. In 1952, Mom met the love of her life, William Robert Beach. They were married on July 18 of that year and shared nearly 50 beautiful years together. Together, they lovingly raised six children. Family was always at the heart of Ellen's world-she and Bill made lasting memories on frequent road trips across the country, especially to Florida. After Bill's retirement from Alcoa, the two became Florida snowbirds, spending winters in Moore Haven, Florida, where they enjoyed singing and spending time with their community of friends. Following Bill's passing, Ellen continued her love of travel. She spent winters in Sebring, Florida, near her sister and brother-in-law, before eventually settling back in Richmond year-round. She still had the travel bug, often taking trips with her son Jon to Florida, Pigeon Forge, and Lake Michigan. They spent countless weekends exploring new towns, shopping, dining, and taking spontaneous road trips just for the joy of the journey. Ellen especially loved nature parks, like Hueston Woods, and taking scenic drives with no particular destination in mind. A woman of deep faith, Mom began each day with Bible study and devotionals-often accompanied by several word search puzzles. She was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church until its closing, then attended Faith-Trinity UMC, and later found a cherished church home at Middleboro United Methodist Church (also known as the Church by the Side of the Road). She dearly loved Pastor Scott's sermons and her church family. Mom had a green thumb and a passion for gardening and bird watching. She brought her unique sense of humor and unexpected vitality to everything she did. Whether she was wearing a silly hat for an Instagram post, trying new foods, decorating her home with impeccable taste, curating the classiest fashion-always favoring gold and silver accents-Ellen brought style, grace, and joy to everyday life. Even in the face of illness, Mom remained upbeat, kind, and full of gratitude. Her smile, laughter, and gracious spirit continued to shine through every challenge. She was a joy to care for and deeply appreciated those who supported her through her final journey. Mom leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and faith, cherished by her six children: Debra (Bob) Ray, Jackie Barnes, William D. (Lena) Beach, Terri (David) Hart, Robert L. (Tina) Beach, and Jon Beach; ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; sister Carol Holmes; and brother Shelby (Cindy) Abrams. She also held dear her many friends, including Wanda Maitlen and her sister-in-law, Virginia Brumbaugh, with whom she once worked at Ayr-Way. Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, William; her son-in-law Gary Barnes; grandson Brandon Ray; brother Vaughn Abrams; sister Mabel Allen; and her parents.
Visitation for Flotie Ellen (Abrams) Beach will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Bell officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Middleboro United Methodist Church, 4620 State Road 227 N, Middleboro, IN 47374-a place that brought Ellen great peace and joy. Alternatively, donations may be made to local food banks, an act of kindness that always brought Ellen deep fulfillment.