Obituary of Beatrice Rabbitt

Beatrice Mae Rabbitt, a long time resident of Fishkill, NY and a more recent resident of New Bern, NC died January 4, 2015 in the CarolinaEast Medical Center.Born October 15, 1915 in Pine Plains, NY she was the daughter of the late Jennie (Ingles) and Charles O. Kellerhouse. She was a graduate of Pine Plains Central School.Bea was married February 23, 1947 in Canaan, Conn. to Stephen Rabbitt. Together they operated the Rabbitt's Pharmacy in Fishkill for many years. A resident of Fishkill, NY from 1934, she moved to NC in 2004.She was a secretary employed by Standard Gage in Poughkeepsie and during WW2 moved to Detroit. She returned to Dutchess County in 1943.An active and devout member of the Fishkill United Methodist Church, she was a member of the United Methodist Women, served on the Board of Trustees and many committees. She was a charter member of the Protection Engine Co. #1 Ladies Auxiliary and served as its first secretary and treasurer. When she made the difficult decision to move from Fishkill, she selected New Bern, NC to be close to her daughter. Once there, Bea attended the First UMC and also attended bible study and Sunday school classes. She was a member of the Garden Club of Carolina Pines.She dearly loved and is survived by her children Stephene R. Smith of New Bern and Barry A. Rabbitt of Cerrotos, CA., her five grandchildren Bryon Smith, David Smith, Debra Richard, James P. Rabbitt, Kathleen A. Rabbitt and great-grandchildren Connor, Ian, Kelly, Sara, Sarah and Olivia. She is also survived by her cousins Bob and Ellen Dotterer of Fishkill as well as several nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by her loving husband Stephen J. Rabbitt, as well as siblings Lloyd, Paul, Worthy, Oakleigh, Harry and Franklin Kellerhouse, Marjorie Merritt and Beulah Weaver.A service to commemorate Bea's life will be held Friday, January 9 at 1 pm at the United Methodist Church in Fishkill with the Rev. Linda Willey officiating. Calling hours will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow next to Stephen in the Fishkill Rural Cemetery. A service will also be held at the First UMC in Havelock at a date to be determined. Memorial donations may be made to the Shriner's Hospital, Boston, or the First United Methodist Church of Fishkill 38 Broad St. Fishkill, NY. Local arrangements are being handled by the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. If you would like to leave an online condolence please visit www.doylefuneralhome.com