Connie Marie Bean, age 81, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at home surrounded by her family.

Connie was born on September 7, 1938 in Bloomfield, the daughter of Paul Bland and Margriete Katherine (Baker) Cox. She was married on September 6, 1956 in Dexter to Willard L. Bean, who survives.

Connie grew up in Dexter, Mo. and was a 1956 graduate of Dexter High School.

Shortly after graduation, she married Willard, and began her role as a supportive military wife. She moved with him to quite a few locations until, in 1968, they made Jefferson City their permanent home. She took great pride in his service that spanned over 40 years until his retirement as a Colonel from the Missouri Army National Guard. However, her greatest accomplishment was being a mother and later a grandmother; always supporting and encouraging her children in all aspects of their lives.

Connie was a devoted housewife all her life. When her children were younger, she owned a beauty salon in Dexter. After moving to Jefferson City, she volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader at West School. One of her favorite mottos was, “Be Prepared”. Connie enjoyed working with cosmetics in a few downtown retail stores and also worked as a Financial Secretary at the First Christian Church. 

Connie was creative and channeled that energy different ways. She enjoyed oil painting, working with ceramics, and sewing. She especially enjoyed visiting Branson and the Fall Craft Festival. Connie was very talented and enjoyed designing and decorating five beautiful homes with her husband Willard. She also took pride in designing the landscape and personally planting everything with Willard.

Survivors include: her husband of 63 years, Willard Bean; two children, Douglas Bean (Vera DeGiorgio) of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Terri Riley (Carey) of Jefferson City; one brother, Ronald Cox, Sr. of Branson; five grandchildren, Ryan Riley, Amanda Riley, Kyle Riley (Gemma), Jennifer Klimala (Frank) and Nicholas Bean; a great-granddaughter, Ava Klimala; and another great-granddaughter that will be joining her family in May of 2020.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from noon until 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2019 with her funeral service following at 1:30 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel with Celebrant Gara Loskill officiating. Graveside services and entombment will be held at the Mausoleum of Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.