Gaylen Richie Beatty

1931 - 2024

Gaylen Richie Beatty, long-time resident of Covington, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 8, 1931, in Miami, Florida, to Emma Lucille Johnson Hansbrough and Morias Hansbrough, Gaylen led an extraordinary life full of love, adventure, and service. She was 93 years old. Gaylen spent her formative years at Sacred Heart Academy in Horse Cave, Kentucky, before attending the University of Kentucky, where she was a proud member of Kappa Delta Pi. Her adventurous spirit took her to Venezuela, where she lived for six years with her family. She enjoyed traveling the World creating cherished memories abroad. A devoted community member, Gaylen was deeply involved in volunteer work, supporting various local charities throughout her life. An avid tennis player, she spent many joyful hours on the courts at Covington Country Club and Beau Chene Country Club. Additionally, she was an accomplished card player, earning accolades in Duplicate Bridge and receiving the prestigious Life Master award for her wicked skills. As a woman of many talents, Gaylen was also an entrepreneur. In the 1980s, she owned and operated Foot Affair, a well-loved shoe store in Mandeville, Louisiana. She was also an inaugural member of the Mardi Gras Krewe of Eve in Mandeville, embracing the spirit and culture of her community. Gaylen spent the last 14 years of her remarkable life at Christwood, where she was surrounded by friends, family, and a deep sense of peace. She is preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Edwin Beatty, D.D.S., and former husband Robert Richie. She is survived by her seven children-David, Michelle, Aaron, Myia, Mary Lee, Gay Gay, and Casey-along with thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored.

Her legacy of love, generosity, and vibrance in spirit will be cherished by all who knew her. Gaylen's memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Interment will be held privately in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens at a later date. E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Beatty's funeral arrangements. Her family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.