Martina Bees

Martina “Tina” Bees, 92, retired registered nurse, died Saturday, Feb. 6 in Wichita, KS. She was born in New Castle, PA on April 14, 1923 to the late James and Zoe John (Diliakos). After graduating from New Castle High School, she earned her nursing diploma at New Castle Hospital School of Nursing. Her husband of 60 years, Thomas H. Bees, preceded her in death. Tom and Tina lived many years in Miami, Florida and Dallas, Texas before moving to Wichita to be near family. Tina worked in the newborn nursery at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. She was a gifted artist and studied painting, calligraphy, and printmaking in Miami and Dallas. She loved classical music, especially piano music, and liked to hear piano recitals. She enjoyed traveling to Europe with daughter Julie to visit art museums and attend piano competitions. She was proud that daughter Sandra followed in her footsteps and became a registered nurse. Although she was not an active member of a church in her later years, her relationship to Jesus Christ was an important part of her life. She especially enjoyed reading books that enriched her faith as well as conversations about biblical topics. Tina was predeceased by her brothers, John and Ed; and a sister, Irene. She is survived by three daughters: Julie Bees of Wichita, KS (Victor Isakov), Dorothy Erminger of Austin, Texas (Don) and Sandra Bees of Broken Arrow, OK; grandchildren, Jacob and Jonathan Simpson, Daniel and David Erminger, Alina Amstutz; great-grandchildren, Gage, Jackson and Kenadee Simpson; nieces, Christine Johnson, Cynthia Crowther, Carolyn Boyle; and nephew, Gregory John. A celebration of Tinas life will be held in Wichita later this Spring. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.