Former Wapakoneta resident Valeria Jean Beacom, 97, of Celina, died at 6:05 a.m. March, 4, 2010, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.

She was born July 19, 1912, in Antwerp, to William B. and Dora E. Overmeyer Matzen. In 1946, she married Matthew Myron Beacom, who died in 1987.

Surviving are a daughter, Donna (Michael) Gehm, Celina; a stepdaughter, Hazel Sanner, St. Marys; a brother, Carl (Marilyn) Matzen, Lima; a sister Ethel Noble, Attleboro, Mass.; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Deceased are two sons, Richard and Donald Matzen; three brothers, Vernon, Wilbur, and Kenneth Matzen; and five sisters, Thelma and Irene Matzen, Esther Sites, Irma Doctor and Marylene "Jo" Taylor.

She worked at Woolen Mill in Lima and for Fisher Cheese in Wapakoneta. She also worked as a housekeeper at Lima Memorial Hospital, and did housecleaning in private homes. She was a 1930 graduate of Delphos Jefferson High School.

Services are 2 p.m. Monday at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, the Rev. Tom Christen officiating. Burial is at Kalida Cemetery.

Calling is 1-2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Condolences can be sent to dick.hellwarth@verizon.net.