Beatrice Marie Hertel (nee Thigpen – Fleenor), known to her friends as "Bea", died Friday, October 4th, 2019 at Gulf Coast Medical Center after 82 wonderful years of life.  She was born July 27, 1937 in Warren, Ohio to Paul W. and Mary E. Thigpen, Sr.

Mrs. Hertel was a resident of Southington, Ohio for 22 years, where she became the first female Director of the Trumbull County Welfare Department before ultimately retiring after 31 years to Fort Myers, Florida.  Mrs. Hertel also volunteered at Hope Hospice and as a Guardian Ad Litem during her retirement.  Her greatest joys in life were her family, and in her later years, her little dog Zoey.  Mrs. Hertel was known for her giving nature and positive outlook on life.  She was always there with uplifting words for her friends and family.

She is survived by two daughters, Paula Engstrom and Patti (Kevin) Anderson of Fort Myers, Florida, three grandchildren: Maribeth (Richard) Fonda of Winterville, Georgia, Danielle Engstrom of Athens, Georgia, and Kyle Anderson of Fort Myers, Florida, as well as two great grandchildren, Asher and Peyton Fonda and her three siblings, Charlene Troy, Darlene Hovis, and Paul Thigpen Jr., as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two husbands, Clyde "Curly" Fleenor (married 42 years), Gerald Hertel (married 2 years), and an infant son.

The family held a private celebration.