Denise Beam

Denise (Eley) Beam, 71, of Union City, Ohio, went peacefully to her eternal home with the Lord on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Village Green in Greenville, Ohio, following several months of illnesses. She was born on August 10, 1953, in Union City, Indiana, to the late Melvin and Frances (Stephens) Eley, who instilled in their family a strong faith, love of family, and a heart for community service. 

Denise was a 1971 graduate of Mississinawa Valley High School. She loved music and could quickly apply song lyrics to every moment of life. In her youth, she was honored to be a part of the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir, which allowed her to march in the 1975 Rose Bowl Parade, participate in a multi-country European tour, and sing in the White House Rose Garden for President Nixon. 

Denise married Steve Beam on August 2, 1975, and they recently reached 49 years of marriage. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed working with people and especially loved spending time with her family and close friends.

Denise prided herself on a lifetime of devotion to her community, not only living her whole life in Union City, but also spending all of her working years there doing payroll, secretarial work, apartment management, and healthcare billing across a variety of businesses, most recently at Kaup Pharmacy. She volunteered through various church activities over her lifetime and was honored to serve as a member of the Union City Chamber of Commerce and the Union City Rotary Club. 

Denise is survived by her husband, Steve Beam; daughter and son-in-law, Cari and Ryan Prinkey; granddaughters, Elizabeth and Alexandra Prinkey; sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Mike Grim; brother, Ed Eley; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Donna and Barry Miller. 

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Frances Eley; sister and brother-in-law, Sally and Larry Amspaugh; and nephew, Donnie Amspaugh.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 1-4pm, at Reichard Funeral Home in Union City, Indiana. A celebration of life service will be held immediately following with Rev. Bruce Bryan officiating.