Mesopotamia, Ohio - Alice Ann Burge Bean earned her angel wings Wednesday evening, November 12 at Eagle Pointe Nursing Home. Alice was born January 10, 1934, a twin, to the late John "Jack" Burge and Evelyn Gardiner Burge of Mesopotamia, Ohio. She was 91 years old.

Alice lived in Mesopotamia all her life. She was among the first Mesopotamia twelfth grade class to go to Bloomfield when the schools consolidated in 1950. She graduated as valedictorian in her class of 1951, with Clara Grover as salutatorian, two Mespo girls! She was very proud of that fact. Alice loved to sing and sang in many high school musicals and at Church. Growing up Alice and her twin sister, Frances, were asked many times to sing at different functions. Alice also played first trumpet in the band at school. Alice loved living the farm life and she loved her flowers and gardening. She was proud of her 1855 Gothic Revival home built by the Laird's using foundation stone cut from the quarry on the farm property.

In 1971, Bloomfield-Mespo's School Charter was pulled by the State and they wanted them to consolidate with Farmington, Bristol and Southington. Alice, along with Marge Horvat, of Bloomfield, formed S.O.S. (Save Our Schools) and fought the State. With their efforts they were able to raise money, bring people together to bring the schools up to State standards, they passed a 11.26 mill emergency levy for five years, and the schools were then debt free. The Charter was re-instated in July 1985!

Alice worked at Geauga County Farm Bureau in the office and became the head bookkeeper, starting in 1951, worked there as they went through name changes, then retiring from Western Reserve Farm Co-op in 1996.

Alice was a long-time member of the Grange, started the Firefly's Auxiliary when the Mespo Fire Department was started, was active in PTO while her children were in school, was involved with the Mesopotamia Memorial and Historical Assn. of which she was President for several years, helped put on Memorial Day and Mespo Alumni dinners, was a lifetime member of the Mesopotamia United Methodist Church, and was always ready to lend a helping hand when and wherever needed. Alice was a 4-H supporting mom to all her children. Alice was also instrumental in helping with the Mespo Ox Roast and Flea Market, alongside her husband for many years.

Alice is survived by her children, Deborah (Allen) Miller, Mesopotamia, John Bean, Bristolville, and Lisa Brode, Andover. Grandchildren, Johnathon (Courtney) Bean, Julianne (Joshua) Kovein , Jen (Craig) Heefner, and several great grandchildren.

Those who proceeded her in death, her ex-husband, Robert H. Bean, the father of her children, son, Randy Bean, and twin sister, Frances Burge Rogers.

There will be a celebration of life at the Fairview Cemetery Chapel, 8802 State Route 534, Mesopotamia, OH 44439, Saturday, November 22 with calling hours from 10:30 to Noon, with a service at Noon. There will be a life celebration meal at the Historical building afterwards.

In lieu of flowers we ask that memorial contributions be made to the Mesopotamia Memorial and Historical Assn. PO Box 54, Mesopotamia, Ohio 44439.

We would also like to thank the caring staff at Eagle Pointe Nursing Home in Orwell, Ohio and to the Hospice of the Western Reserve who helped look after Alice and kept her comfortable in her final days.