Memorial planned for the owner of Beasley’s Orchard
Family and friends are mourning the sudden loss of Debra “Debbie” Beasley, 66, who died while on vacation in Aspen, Colorado.
Nearly 400 messages of prayer and condolences instantly poured in after the orchard team shared the loss on its Facebook page on Wednesday.
“It is with incredible sadness that we have to share some very difficult news with our Beasley’s Orchard Community today. Our longtime owner, Debra Beasley, has passed away at the age of 66. Debra, or Debbie, as her friends knew her, along with her late husband, John, were responsible for building the amazing farm that we have today. We all have them to thank for the countless memories that have been made at our family farm,” the orchard team shared online.
Debbie and her late husband John Beasley (2017) ran the family farm and agritainment spot for 36 years. Their son, Calvin Beasley, took over operations in 2018. Debbie was passionate about running the barn market and creating the popular fall festival weekends.
“Thanks to the amazing foundation that has been built, we will honor Debbie in the best way that we know how: by continuing to be stewards of our land and serving our customers, whom Debbie loved so much. Thank you all for your love and support during this extremely difficult time,” the team writes.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, Dec. 15, 4 p.m., at St. Augustine Episcopal Church, 600 N. Washington St., Danville. Visitation is at 2 p.m. until the service.
Hendricks County residents shared their prayers and memories online.
“I am in absolute shock. Debbie was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. She will be greatly missed by all. Lots of prayers and love to her family and friends,” writes Heather Ford.
Eileen Mills shares, “So sorry for your loss and the loss for our community. Beasley’s has been our apple place for as long as we have lived here. Great memories.”
Debbie Beasley leaves behind her children, Calvin (Brittany) Beasley of Avon, Seth (Jill) Aichinger of W. Lafayette, Lyra (Adam) Baitis of Plainfield, grandchildren, Gloria, Maya, Bryn, and Faye, a brother, G. Michael Derrickson of Crescent City, Florida, and a nephew. Debbie was also preceded in death by two brothers, David and James Derrickson.
Debbie was born in Indianapolis to the late George Edward and Gloria Mae (Somers) Derrickson. She was a 1971 graduate of Ben Davis High School and attended Butler University as well as the University of Texas at Arlington.
She was a member of St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Danville, the Indiana Horticultural Society, the Indiana Farm Market Society, and a founding member of the Hendricks County Tourism Commission.
Contributions may be given to St. Augustine Episcopal Church and/or the Hendricks County Humane Society in lieu of flowers.
The Weaver & Randolph Funeral Home in Danville is handling the arrangements. Loved ones can sign the guestbook at https://www.weaverandrandolphfuneralhomes.com/obituary/debra-debbie-beasley
