Ann Louise Beard

Ann Louise (Siegmann) Beard, 81, died Saturday, February 22, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She had recently relocated to the area to be near family after living in New Castle, Indiana for the majority of her life.  

Ann was born August 22, 1941 in Ashland, Ohio to Leslie and Francis (Shiffler) Siegmann. The family moved to Goshen, Indiana when Leslie opened a print shop, Siegmann Printing Co. in 1951. After graduating from Goshen High School, Ann went on to receive her BA and MA in education from Ball State University and worked for 38 years at Greenstreet Elementary School in New Castle, Indiana, teaching 1st and 2nd grades. After retirement, Ann worked at the gift shop of the Henry County Memorial Hospital, where she greatly enjoyed her colleagues and helping patrons. 

Ann was married to the love of her life, William “Bill” Beard, for 40 years, after marrying in 1977. They loved traveling to visit family, listening to music, and enjoying good food together. She was a long-time member of New Castle First United Methodist Church and had a wide circle of friends. Ann loved crafting and her loved ones’ homes have many embroidered Christmas ornaments to prove it. She cared deeply for others and was part of many social and community organizations.  

She is survived by step-children Lisa Beard of San Francisco, California; Kris Beard of Muncie, Indiana; Jennifer (Beard) Coffey (Tasha) of Fishers, Indiana; Barbara Beard of Muncie, Indiana; nephews Adrian (Caroline) Siegmann of Redmond, Oregon; Jason (Havilah) Siegmann of Grand Rapids, Michigan; cousin Carol Siegmann of Indianapolis, Indiana; along with 5 step-grandchildren, 4 step-great grandchildren, and 9 great-nieces and nephews. 

Ann was preceded in death by her husband Bill, parents, and brother Jim Siegmann, with whom she was very close and spoke to daily until his death in December of 2024. 

Visitation will be from 5-8 pm, Friday, March 14, at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle.

Services will be at 10 am Saturday, March 15th, at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service with Pastor Melissa White officiating. Burial will follow in Elm Ridge Cemetery in Muncie, with a meal following at New Castle First United Methodist Church.  

Friends and family may express condolences or share a memory of Ann at www.hinsey-brown.com.