Beatrice A. "Beatty" (Miller) Kemmerling

Beatrice A. (Miller) Kemmerling, 96, of Mt. Penn, PA., formerly of Kempton and Hamburg, PA., passed away on Friday August 9, 2019, at her residence. She was the wife of the late Lawson W. “John” Kemmerling, who died in 1996.  She was born in Reading, PA., a daughter of the late Bernard O. Weber and Herma Edna (Miller) Clay.Beatty was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Mt. Penn, PA. She was also a member of the Auxillary of Union Fire Co. #1, Hamburg, PA.In the early morning hours of August the 9th, an extraordinary individual took her last breath. Bea, Beatty, or Nana Bea, was a woman of singular strength and character, beloved by many who knew her. Born and raised in the “Deitsche Eck” at the foot of Hawk Mt., she attended the Bolich one room school, near her farmstead. Bea was a bright student and aspired to be a teacher, but poverty and the Great Depression got in the way. From these difficult beginnings, Bea developed perseverance and tenacity that stayed with her throughout life. Bea was above all an archetypal mother figure. A friend once remarked that if a problem were to arise, Bea would emerge from the crowd wearing a t-shirt that said “I’m The Mother Here”. Her love was boundless. She was also a wonderful cook and baker, always looking forward to berry pickin’ season. Pig stomach, pork and sauerkraut, ham and string beans, rivel soup, shoofly pie, raspberry custard, and black joe cake were just a few of her yummy specialties. At Xmas time Bea loved to make cookies and made up some recipes of her own. She often enlisted Colette to help with the festivities, and together they would make some very artistic sugar cookies.

  Bea loved to work in her garden. And would keep seeds to plant again the next year.  She especially enjoyed raising African Violets, but any purple, pink, red or yellow flower would give her joy. Being raised in the country it was only natural that she would have a love for nature and animals,  cardinals and cats, yes, mice ,not so much. 

  Bea loved to read, and instilled a love of reading in her children  She would read bed time stories, bath time stories, and stories while eating in the high chair.  Poetry was a favorite and her husband, Lawson, sometimes surprised her with a poem for an anniversary or valentines day. She was a romantic. Her favorite color was purple. Beatty was a fan of “outlaw” country music. She really liked Johnny Cash, but she loved Willie Nelson. Seeing Willie in concert was a highlight in her life.

Beatty was a very hard worker. Besides waitressing, she worked for her aunt and uncle at Weimer Sherman’s Jewelry Store in Hamburg. Later she was employed by Pomeroy’s and the Bon Ton, in the linen department, for 30 years, retiring in 1994 to care for an ailing Lawson. During this time she received numerous awards for outstanding  service. Bea “mothered” many of the young women she worked with and they affectionately called her Mom.

  For the last ten years, Bea has lived with her daughter Diane who was a loving and devoted caregiver. Debra lived close by and was a near constant energizing presence. Son John filled in the gap. 

  Advantage /Covenant Home Care gave Bea  very compassionate and loving hospice care, especially Richard, Megan, Karen, Diane, Vince and Father Demetrius.  Also friends Frtzi, Alison, Andrea, Lola and Colette, thank you all so much for your  love and selflessness. Survivors include: two daughters, Diane G. Kemmerling with whom she resided, and Debra L. Kemmerling, wife of Vincent Chiles, both of Mt. Penn, PA.; one son, John W. (Debra Marbarger) Kemmerling, Greenhills, PA.; a granddaughter, Colette A. Kemmerling, wife of Samuel Breckenridge; a grandson, Jeremiah M. Chiles-Kemmerling. She was predeceased by a half-brother, Robert Clay. Beatty’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 11:00 AM., in the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home, 8405 Kings Highway New Tripoli, PA. 18066, with a calling hour to begin at 10:00 AM. Interment following service in the New Bethel Union Cemetery, Kempton, PA.  Father Demetrius Nicoloudakis will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in her name, to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, 58 Kennel Road Birdsboro, PA 19508, or a charity of your choice.

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