Beulah Janet Mikels, age 89, of Centerville died Thursday, Jan, 31, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center's Long Term Care in Center­ville.

She was born the daughter of Edward and Bessie (Willett) Fenton on Aug. 6, 1918 near Plano. She graduated from Centerville Com­munity High School in 1936, and attended Centerville Junior College and the State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls.

Beulah was a school teacher in rural Appanoose County for six years. On May 23, 1943, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Mikels at the Drake Avenue Christian Church with the Reverend Trimble officiating.

She was a member of the Drake Avenue Christian Church where she was a Sunday School kindergarten teacher for many years. She was active in the Christian Women's Fellowship, served on many church committees, and provided musical support for the vacation Bible school and other church activities. Music was an important part of her life, and her piano playing brought joy and comfort to nursing home residents throughout the area where, for many years, she provided entertainment and support for worship services. She was also a member of the Chapter KA and PEO. She loved her home, her family, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her church. She was a thoughtful and caring woman, who was always willing to help others.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Kenneth Mikels on May 20, 1999; granddaughter, Lisa Ann Hobart; brothers, Alva Fenton on June 15, 1999 and Wilbur Fenton on April 2, 2006; and a sister, Floy Hensley in August of 2005.

Beulah is survived by: her daughters, Jane and her husband, Robert Hobart of Canton, Illinois and Jean and her husband, Jack Downing of Bemidji, Minn.; two grandchildren, Wendy and her husband, John Nolan of Wellman and Stephen and his wife, Jill Hobart of Mason City; two great-grandchildren, Kale Stephen Hobart and Drew Stephen Hobart both of Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville with Rev. Carl Heien officiating. Burial will follow at the Oakland Cemetery in Centerville.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Feb. 3, from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to Drake Avenue Christian Church and can be left at the funeral home. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home o Centerville is caring for the Mikels family and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfuneralhome.com