Bertha Ann “Bea” Drodge-Garmer (Ricketts)

Bertha Ann Drodge-Garmer (Ricketts), affectionately known as “Bea,” and to those closest to her as “Queen Bea,” passed away peacefully in the hospital on August 26, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 13, 1940, in Coalport, Pennsylvania, to the late Robert Vaughn and Anna Ricketts.

Bea attended Arsenal Academy and later Arthur DeConcillis Beauty School, where she earned her cosmetology degree. She became a well-known and respected hairdresser and eventually returned to the school, after it became the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy, where she taught for a number of years. Hairdressing was one of the things for which she was best known, but those who knew Bea best knew that there was so much more to her.

She had a lifelong love of gardening and was especially proud of her involvement with the mushroom club. She enjoyed attending estate sales, garage sales, and flea markets, always appreciating the excitement of finding something special. Bea also had a deeply philanthropic spirit. She generously gave her time, energy, and resources to causes she believed in and was particularly proud of her involvement with Rails-to-Trails and the Lighthouse.

Bea had many interests and talents, a few that deserve honorable mention: she could really hit a golf ball, was the president of the tool club, and missed her calling in the political world, she could so expertly answer any question without actually answering the question.

Bea was a woman with a fierce will to live. Those who knew her understood that she was a fighter, and she faced life’s challenges with strength, determination, and courage. While many knew her through her work as a hairdresser, her family and closest friends knew her for something even more meaningful—her generous heart and giving spirit.

She had a deep love of God and was a devoted Catholic. Her faith, her family, and the relationships she built throughout her life were an important part of who she was.

Bea was blessed to have shared her life with two husbands. Her first love, Donald E. Drodge, was her husband for more than 25 years. Later, she was fortunate to meet Alvin Garmer, with whom she shared more than 20 years of marriage and many common interests including square-dancing and cherished memories.

She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, extended family, and the many friends whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her son Douglas (Nancy Rae) Drodge, their children, Jonathan McCullough; Cassie (Jon) Marencel, Donnie Ray Drodge and her great-grandchildren, Lucas McKenzie, and Josie Marencel.

Her daughter, Debbie (Lawrence) Drodge Baumiller, their children Tina (Collin) Bisignani, Craig (Shelley) Conway, Alex (Sydney) Conway, Tabbie (Jarrett) Sheran, Lawrence III (April) Baumiller, Michael (Melissa) Baumiller, Jessica Baumiller, Amanda (Charles) Russek, and her great-grandchildren, Peyton, Jaxson, Case, Naomi, Abigail, Lawrence IV, Luke, and Max.

Her grandson Michael Ricupero and granddaughter Rebecca Ricketts, and her great children Mila, Olivia and Isabella, descendants of the late Patrick Ricketts.

She is also survived by her sister Carol (the late Butch) Sapanara, their children, Carol Theresa Sapanara, Bob Sapanara, and the late Ray Sapanara. Along with many additional great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Donald E. Drodge and Alvin Garmer; her son, Patrick Ricketts (Donna); sisters Jean Neider and Ruth Ricketts; brother Robert Ricketts; brother-in-law Reverend Jack Drodge (Lois); brother-in-law Jerry Drodge; and sisters-in-law Janet Schwemmer and Gloria Heslet.

Bea leaves behind a family that will carry her memory forward—the lessons she taught, the generosity she shared, the stories she created, and the love she gave so freely.

Friends and family will be welcomed on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Eloise B. Kyper Funeral Home, 2702 Mt. Royal Blvd, Glenshaw, PA 15116, from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday September 1, 2026, at St Bonaventure Church - St. Matthew Parish, 2001 Mt. Royal Blvd, Glenshaw, PA 15116 at 11:00AM. Guests are asked to please meet at church. Private interment to follow at Mt. Royal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Feeding the Flock Ministries (https://feedtheflocks.org/donate/).

Queen Bea will be deeply missed and forever loved.