Beatrice's life began July 17, 1917, in East Chicago, Illinois. While working at Standard Oil Company Beatrice met Joseph Stepich and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage. After leaving Standard Oil Beatrice went to work for the Welfare Office of Lake County in Indiana until she retired as an administrator. Beatrice lived in Indiana until she moved a couple years ago to be closer to her son. Outside of work she enjoyed bowling, reading, needlepoint, and being a member of the kitchen band at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo where she lived.

Beatrice leaves behind a loving family which includes: two sons, Joseph (Lois) Stepich of Watervliet and Donald Stepich of Boise, Idaho; two grandchildren Greg Stepich of Chicago Heights, IL and Suzanne (Tom) Lewand of Royal Oak, MI; four great grandchildren Cayleigh, Paige, Shannon, and Erin Lewand; and two sisters Faye Anderson of Shereville, IN and Peggy Farmer of Dyer, IN.

Beatrice died Wednesday, January 22, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. Her husband Joseph and parents Henry and Ruby (Harper) Bainbridge precede Beatrice in death. Cremation has taken place and she will be buried next to her husband at a later date. Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet is assisting Beatrice's family with arrangements. You may leave a memory for Beatrice's family at hutchinsfuneral.com.