Berneda "Bea" C. (Browning) Hiatt

On August 24, 2025, a beautiful and sunny Sunday afternoon, Berneda “Bea” Carolyn Hiatt, of Findlay, entered the pearly gates. If you knew her, you know that it was a long journey up the stairs of heaven, as she would have had a conversation with everyone she met along the way. She never knew a stranger and loved everyone she met. Bea lived life fully on her own terms and in complete charge of her plans, which included passing in the comfort of her own home, with a view of her gardens and birdfeeders, FOX news on the television, her kitty Thelma Louise as her constant companion, and surrounded by her loving family.

Bea was born in Falmouth, KY to Everett and Jewell (Wright) Browning on October 29, 1940. She graduated from Kitchel High School in Liberty, Indiana where she met the love of her life, Darrell W. Hiatt. They were married on June 24, 1960, and spent many happy years together until Darrell’s passing on November 1, 1985. She was a former vice-president for Harbor Transfer Fund, overseeing investments and mutual funds. In her retirement years she helped establish and manage Tom Hiatt’s Plumbing. She served on the Hancock County Republican Central Committee, was a member of the Hancock County Republican Party, and was a proud supporter of President Donald J. Trump. She was a member of Moose Lodge #698 and loved her “Taco Tuesday” outings with her wonderful friends.

Family was EVERYTHING to Bea! She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her Gigi. Those left behind to cherish Bea’s memory are her children, Anette (James) Blake of Findlay, Tony (Nancy) Hiatt of Andersonville, TN, and Tom (Rhonda) Hiatt of Williamsfield; grandchildren, Jessica (Justin) Gorski, Joey (Brailley) Blake, Tyler (Sara Oler) Hiatt, Tess (Hunter Hovest) Hiatt, Collin (Emily) Hiatt, Mackenzie (Christopher) Cameron, Emma (James) Rader, and Wade (Lindsey) Hiatt; great-grandchildren, Aiden Blake, Skye Hovest, Adalyn Blake, Grant Hiatt, Charlotte Gorski, Brynnlee Bowman, Macie Hiatt, Emmett Gorski, Riggs Gorski, Granger Hovest, Dawson Gorski, and two more great-grandchildren on the way. Bea also leaves behind her younger brother, Rickey Browning of Williston, Ohio.

Bea was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Darrell; and granddaughter, Danielle Marie Hiatt. The family would like to graciously thank the James Cancer Center, The Stefanie Spielman Breast Cancer Center, St. Rita’s Cancer Center, and Bridge Home Health and Hospice for the loving and compassionate care extended to her throughout her cancer journey.

According to her wishes, a celebration of Bea’s life will be held Friday, September 12, from 5-9 p.m. at the Findlay Moose Lodge #698, 1028 W. Main Cross St., Findlay.

HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay, (419-422-1500) is honored to serve Bea’s family.