Bernice A. ''Be'' Rathbun, 83, Be's Antique Owner

A resident of Avon for over 50 years, she recently moved to the Brownhelm Township area and fulfilled a lifelong dream of living in a log cabin home.

An avid antique collector for 60 years, she owned "Be's Antique" in Avon specializing in primitive country furniture. A recent passion included designing and selling handcrafted jewelry made from beads found around the world.

Her sense of adventure led her to Mexico, Central and South America, and trips to Arizona and the Southwest to visit her son. She enjoyed tent camping and motorcycle camping across the United States. She was active in plays at the Huntington Playhouse and theatre productions for Lorain Community Hospital Follies. She spent summer camping on South Bass Island and became a summer resident for the last 27 years. She was an active lifetime member of Brownhelm Historical Association and also worked for her daughter's greenhouse business, Mill Hollow Nursery in Vermilion.

She is survived by her daughter, Jody W. Rathbun Frimel of Vermilion; sons, Jay K. Rathbun of Phoenix, AZ and Lex R. Rathbun of Guam; and 3 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ollie ; parents, Frank J. and Helen T.(nee Molling) Niklas; a sister Josephine Gerstnecker and a brother, Frank J. Niklas, Jr.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 2, 2005 from 4-8 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion.

The family would welcome written or verbal memories at a memorial service on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rugby Cemetery, Brownhelm Township.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Ed Keating Center Inc., P.O. Box 770108, Lakewood, Ohio 44107.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com