Beulah Mae Arnott

Educator and historian Beulah Arnott died at her home on October 22, 2010 at the age of 94. Born on June 12, 1916, she was the fourth child of Fred and Irene (Lutz) Arnott. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her brothers, Carl of Muncie and Bill of San Antonio, and sisters Esther Silden of Marine City, MI and Floris Petty of Terre Haute. Sister-in-law Mary McGee Arnott survives in San Antonio. Beulah played an important role in the lives of her five nieces and nephews - Marilyn Arnott, Philadelphia; David Silden, Charlotte, NC; Leah Petty McConaghy, Indianapolis; Erik Silden, Charleston, SC and Sally Silden Johnson, Katy, TX who survive her. A lifelong resident of Rensselaer, Beulah developed a passion for the heritage of the community and a deep love for learning, which she shared with all ages. She taught 1st and 2nd grade students in Rensselaer public schools for 41 years, and she left them with many memories. Beulah received her teaching license and her Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University and her master’s degree from Purdue University for work in the development of teacher education. She was also named a fellow of St. Joseph College. As an active member of the Jasper County Historical Society Beulah was appointed by the county commissioners to serve as County Historian, and she served in that role for more than 25 years. She was a tireless researcher and answered requests for genealogical information from all over the country. She also found inspiration for numerous community projects and had the persistence to convince others to join in. She took the most pride in the 1996 celebration of the centennial of the courthouse. The more recent acquisition of the historical marker for James Hanley, “Back Home Again in Indiana,” also brought her joy, as has the publication of “Vintage Views.” She also had fun with booklets that she put together herself, like “Forgotten Towns.” Beulah was a lifelong member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and took many roles there. She was a member of the choir for 61 years, and she served as lay delegate to the Northern Indiana Annual Conference for 20 years. She was past-president of Tri Kappa, the Mental Health Board, the Jasper County Historical Society, the Ladies Literary Club and the Rensselaer Classroom Teachers Association. She also served as a member of the Crisis Center board and the Rensselaer Park Board. Through it all, no matter what else was happening, Beulah was a die-hard Cubs fan.

Beulah Mae Arnott

June 12, 1916 - October 22, 2010