COLUMBUS
Jaryl Jean (Jeanie) Gravins left this earth surrounded by family on September 30, 2020 following complications from heart surgery. She will be greatly missed by all her family and the close friendships she was blessed with along the way.
Jeanie was born on June 20, 1946 in Joplin, Missouri, the child of Jerry and Ruth Beach. Jeanie grew up in Columbus, Indiana, and graduated from Columbus High School. She started with Arvin Meritor immediately following graduation in the Payroll Department and retiring as the Director of Human Resources after over 35 years of service to pursue her dream of owning JakiDan’s Cafe. While working at Arvin Meritor, she pursued and completed her Bachelor Degree in Business from Indiana University. She remained close friends with many of her former co-workers and enjoyed many Arvin reunions and get togethers over the years.
Jeanie had a great sense of humor, a contagious laugh, and a heart for serving her community. She spent a large portion of her free time volunteering around the community, most notably as a CASA and with Love Chapel, Brighter Days Shelter, Turning Point, and United Way. Jeanie loved playing Bingo and cards, enjoyed traveling, and spending time with her family. Jeanie had a great love for all animals, but her most cherished was her sweet Bessie. She was a fiercely protective and devoted mother to her daughter Dale Ann and son-in-law Scott, and a loving, proud, and doting Granny to her grandchildren Danielle and Jake. Jeanie supported her family in many ways and her powerful presence in their life will leave a great void.
Jeanie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dale Ann and Scott Adams, and her grandchildren Danielle Brown and Jacob Adams of Columbus, Indiana. Also surviving are her siblings, Carl (Jack) and Susan Clayton from Bel Air, Maryland, Greg (Butch) and Mary Jane Beach from Scipio, Indiana, and Debra Beach from South Bend, Indiana. Jeanie was predeceased by her father, mother, and beloved sister, Delora (Dody) Denney.
Also left to cherish her memory is her best friend of over 30 years, Judith Lannan, whom will be adopting Jeanie’s beloved Bessie. This will keep the friends’ four legged companions (Bernie and Bessie) together as Jeanie and Judith have spent time every day together cooking, traveling, and living life.
The family would like to thank her physician, Dr. David Hart and Nurse Practitioner, Dawn Stidham for their guidance and care over the last month, as well as the staff and nurses in the ICU at Columbus Regional Health. They also appreciate the thoughts, prayers, and encouragement from family and friends over these last difficult weeks.
Due to the current public health issues with COVID-19, the family will not be holding a service for Jeanie at this time. In keeping with Jeanie’s wishes, she will be cremated. The family will have a Celebration of Life for Jeanie honoring her memory and 75th Birthday in June 2021 and her ashes will be taken to the ocean as she requested because that was where she found great joy.
Memorials may be given to the Bartholomew County Humane Society or Love Chapel in honor of Jeanie Gravins.
The loss of Jeanie will leave a great void as a Mother, Granny, and friend.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6
“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” Hebrews 13:14
The Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home is serving the family.
