Ingrid Beal

1937 - 2026

Ingrid Beal, 88

Ingrid Ann Beal, age 88, a lifelong and deeply beloved resident of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Ingrid was born on July 13, 1937, in St. Maries to Eric and Ora (Moody) Lyon. She was raised in the community that would forever be her home, instilled from an early age with a remarkable work ethic and a strong sense of responsibility. As a young woman, she worked at the St. Maries Bakery until her parents purchased the concession stand at the Bungalow Theater-once owned by her grandparents-for the symbolic price of one dollar. Ingrid worked there for several years, proudly carrying on a family tradition. Rocky Point always held a special place in her heart, as did the dances at Chatcolet, which she fondly remembered throughout her life. She graduated from St. Maries High School with the Class of 1955.

At just 13 years old, Ingrid met the most handsome boy she had ever seen-Jim Beal. Their love story began early, blossoming into a lifetime partnership. They began dating when Ingrid was 14, were engaged by 16, and following her graduation, eloped to a Baptist church in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to be married. Together, they made their home in St. Maries, where they built a beautiful life grounded in love, commitment, and family.

After their marriage, Ingrid and Jim briefly ventured to Lewiston while Jim attended college, but their hearts soon led them back home. Ingrid devoted herself to raising their children before returning to the workforce as a bookkeeper at St. Maries Lumber. During this time, the young family purchased a home on 12th Street. After a few years, Ingrid once again chose to stay home, fully present for her children and their many activities. She was a 4-H, Bluebird, and Camp Fire leader, always involved and endlessly supportive. Her children never doubted her love-she was always there, always cheering them on.

In 1967, Ingrid and Jim partnered in BER Logging and in 1983 St. Maries Logging was established. Ingrid became the company's bookkeeper, a role she held with dedication and pride for more than 40 years. Today, St. Maries Logging has proudly served the community for over 50 years-a testament to her steady hand and quiet strength. During these years, Ingrid was active in the Jaycees, Women in Timber, and cherished her Country Club bridge group that met at the grange. Together, Ingrid and Jim were members of the Elks Lodge, Timber Products Manufacturers, and Associated Loggers.

Ingrid gifted her family with countless treasured memories. She was an incredibly talented seamstress, lovingly sewing the most detailed Barbie clothes for her daughters and creating handmade garments, including formal dresses for proms and weddings. She was also a wonderful cook, hosting holidays filled with warmth, laughter, and generosity. She loved to cook, bake, knit and was an avid reader. Her grandchildren fondly remember mornings spent having coffee with Grandma while reading the newspaper, shopping trips to Spokane for school clothes that always ended with lunch at Cyrus O'Leary's, and the joy of being completely spoiled by her. Ingrid adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren taking immense pride in each of them.

Ingrid was deeply proud of her Swedish heritage and fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to Sweden by boat-a two-week journey that led to a three-month stay. While there, she attended school and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime, remaining in contact with those dear friends over the years.

Ingrid will be remembered as a graceful, devoted wife and mother, a loving grandmother and great-grandmother, a hardworking businesswoman, and a woman whose quiet strength and unwavering love shaped generations. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the community she helped build.

Ingrid is survived by her devoted husband, Jim Beal, at their home in St. Maries; her children Becky (Jim) Grieser of St. Maries, Idaho; Tore Beal Gwartney of Eagle, Idaho; Linnea (Pat) McCurdy of Everett, Washington; and Maj-Britt (Wade) Potter of Rathdrum, Idaho; her siblings Linda Russell of Post Falls, Idaho, and E. Ragnar (Kathy) Lyon of Hayden, Idaho; her grandchildren Birgitta (Tim) Loucks, Karin (Hans) Wijma, Kailie Stamps, Dallys (Danielle) Potter, Jagger Potter, Zoe Potter, Mia McCurdy (Andrew Bieber), and Tessa McCurdy; her great-grandchildren Payton, Char, and Brody Loucks, Madeline Grieser, Noah Wijma, and Elin Wijma; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Britta Hansich; her grandson, TJ Grieser; and her son-in-law, Mike Gwartney.

A private family ceremony was held to honor Ingrid's life. Graveside services will be held at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to the Veteran's Outreach Center of Benewah County, 534 Main Ave., St. Maries, ID 83861. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting hodgefuneralhome.com.