The Life of BEATRICE MARIE HALE
Beatrice Marie (Boone) Hale was born March 24, 1920, near Holland, MI, to Rev. Edward and Mrs. RoseEtta Boone. She went to her eternal home in Heaven on February 26, 2012.
The Boones moved from the Holland area to Grand Rapids when Bea was a child, then in 1937 relocated to Des Moines, IA. At age 17, Beatrice sang and played guitar on “The Boone Family” Christian radio broadcast heard early each morning on KRNT, and later in 44 states on WHO. The sisters’ trio of Beatrice, Olive, and Beulah was a favorite with their listeners. As a young lady, her soprano voice inspired many who heard Beatrice over the air or in live performances. Her most requested solo was “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.”
In 1946, following World War II, Bea was married to Lester Hale. They were blessed with two daughters to whom she passed her love for Jesus Christ, her passion for music, her servant spirit, her “can-do” attitude and a deep caring, not only for loved ones, but for anyone in need.
Bea and Les, along with Bea’s sister and husband, Beulah and Dan Copeland, owned Boone’s Book and Bible Store, opening in 1943 to distribute music, books and merchandise requested through the radio program. Bringing joy through her smile, a warm welcome, and spiritual encouragement, Bea worked at Boone’s for over 50 years until her retirement in 1993. Selling Bibles was her greatest enjoyment, and she used her expertise regarding translations, paraphrases, bindings, fonts and papers to help guide customers in their purchase. Boone’s is now known as Wellspring Christian Resources.
The name “Beatrice” means “one who brings joy,” which was clearly evidenced in Bea’s life in serving her family and through church activities. Her daughters appreciate her consistent positive outlook and selfless example of Godly principles. She was an exceptional children’s teacher - when “Aunt Bea” spoke, the children listened and learned. The characters in her stories came alive as she taught through props and engaging visual aids. Family members, children and the aged were frequent beneficiaries of her thoughtful acts of love and service.
After retiring, she began each day by walking at the community center and meeting her friends for coffee where she was the “life of the party.” As always, she exhibited genuine care for each person; no one was a stranger to Bea.
In June 2010 she moved into The Life Center where she continued to serve others and bring joy to her new friends - those living with her as well as the staff caring for her. The family wishes to thank The Life Center’s Memory Care staff for their loving attention to Bea and the way they met her needs with respect, compassion, and perfection - and to her friends at Evangelical Covenant Church who have been her spiritual support.
Bea is survived by two daughters, Marsha Hale and Brenda (Loren) Long of Ankeny, grandchildren Aaron Long of Arlington, VA, and Alyssa (Ryan) McDonald of Des Moines, precious great-granddaughter Eliza McDonald, sister Beulah (Dan) Copeland of Lakeville, MN; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Lester, her husband of 43 years, her parents, and her sister and husband, Olive (Leland) Roesink.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 6:45 pm on Tuesday, February 28, at Evangelical Covenant Church, 2625 Hubbell Avenue in Des Moines, followed by a 7:00 pm celebration service, also at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to her church’s Entrance Accessibility Fund.
