Mary H. “Bea” Brown
Mary “Bea” H. Brown, age 92, of Zanesville, passed away on January 27, 2026, at home and at peace. Better known as Bea Brown, she was a beloved Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Aunt and Friend. Bea loved her work life. She worked for decades at the family business, Rittberger Brothers Meat packing plant, from her youth until the plant closed. She then created a second career and work family at Putnam Transfer until she finally and reluctantly retired at the age of 89. Bea was a lifelong member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zanesville, always seated in her balcony spot, where she also served as a Sunday school teacher for many years.
Bea loved her birds and ducks, feeding them, talking to them and enjoying their company.
Bea’s family includes her siblings; Sue McCullough, Shirley and Warren Van Wye, Ted and Jan Rittberger; her children, Jay (Connie) Brown, Kim Sides, Rod (Carla) Brown; her grandchildren, Kyle and Jenny Brown, Cara and Scott Fisher, Austin and Mara Brown, John Sides, Jake, Rebecca, Hannah, and Andrew Bubnar; and one great grandchild, Ryleigh Bubnar.
Bea was proceeded in death by her parents; Carl C. and Helen L. Rittberger; her parent-in-laws, Stanley and Mary Brown; her sister and brother-in-law, Roberta (Bobbie) and John Gonder.
Bea will be remembered for her kindness, dedication to others, and her selflessness in caring for family and friends. She was a devoted friend to all she encountered.
Friends and family may call from 11:30 A.M. until time of Celebration of Life service that will take place at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 31, 2026, with Pastor Larry Kudart officiating, she will be laid to rest at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Ladies Aide at: 128 S. 7th St, Zanesville, OH 43701, or the Audubon society at: 225 Varick Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10014
All arrangements have been entrusted to the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE.
To send a note of condolence, order flowers, or comfort food please: visit www.bolindierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at 740-452-4551.
