Diana Ladd Beane Gilman (1923-2010)

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. — Diana Ladd Beane Gilman, 87, formerly of Strong, went to her heavenly home surrounded by her loving family in North Fort Meyers, Fla. on July 25, 2010.

She was born in Farmington May 1, 1923, the daughter of Elton E. Sr. and Emma Dickey Ladd. She grew up on a farm in Strong and graduated from Strong High School class of 1942.

She worked at many different jobs, from Fosters in Strong, nursing homes in Maine and Florida, to several different motels and hotels, holding positions from the laundry to executive housekeeper. She was highly respected by all and received numerous recognitions for her efforts. She retired at age 85 due to illness.

Her favorite passion was sports. Her teams were the LA Lakers, Miami Dolphins and the Boston Red Sox, and NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett. If you were visiting her and you didn’t cheer for her team, she would tell you to go home and watch it on your own TV.

She is survived by eight children; sons, Kenneth Beane and his wife, Shirley, of Strong, Gary “Jug” Beane and his wife, Robin, and Danny Gilman and his wife, April, of Florida; daughters, Norma (Peachie) Tyler and her husband, David, of Farmington, Karleen Daggett, Brenda Eaton and her husband, Kenny, Jane Dunbar and her husband. Mike, Candy Flint and her husband, Bronc, all of Florida; two stepchildren, Jon Gilman and his wife, Donna, of Industry, and Becky Nipper of Florida; one sister, Glenys Gurski of Waterville; one brother, Conrad Ladd of Connecticut; 25 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by husbands Richard Beane and Edward Carl Gilman; son, Larry Beane; granddaughter, Mindy Tyler; siblings, Floyd Ladd, Kenneth Ladd, Alton Ladd Jr., Methyl Ladd, Louise Jellison and Frances Haggan.

Memorial services were held Saturday, July 31, 2010 at Family Prayer Center in Immokalee, Fla.

A graveside service will be held at Village Cemetery in Strong at a later date.