On February 15, 2025 sudden illness took Beth from us. She passed away, held in a circle of love. Thus embraced, Beth embarked on her next great adventure.
Beth’s life started in San Jose but she really grew up on her grandparent’s ranch in the Santa Cruz mountains. Beth’s family heritage on the ranch went back to the late 1800’s. She named herself Bugs and roamed the hills with her best friend Sherry or spent time in Grandma and Grampa’s garden. It was here that her passion for nature, adventure and gardening began.
The 70’s were turbulent and things changed for Beth. She lost her best friend to suicide. Beth’s mother remarried and moved Beth and her family to Eureka. Beth grew to love Eureka and it was here that she made many of her longtime friendships.
Beth had adventures. In fact, it is safe to say Beth was made for them! She spent time in Boston, New Orleans and Fort Bragg but she never really left Humboldt. Her friends were everything to her and Humboldt was home.
Beth was a great companion for almost any sort of undertaking; Road trips, camping, a day at the river, enjoying a meal, yard sales, late night, deep conversations, agate hunting, the list goes on. “Never don’t hunt for agates” is something Beth might say. Because she was hilarious.
Beth loved words and was always ready with a clever turn of phrase, a joke or pun, making herself and others laugh effortlessly. Her marvelous, irreverent sense of humor was legendary. One can still hear her “HA” punctuating the punch line, like a happy firecracker!
Beth embraced what and whom she loved without hesitation, living out loud, calling B.S. when she saw it. She was very protective of those she loved; friends, family and especially her fur babies, present and past; Her beloved Iggy, The Boys, Boomer and JInx, good old Hops the kitty. She had a special bond with several of her nieces and nephews. She loved music. Her first job was at The Works, a hip record store in Eureka. David Lindley and Frank Zappa were among her favorites.
Many in Eureka remember Beth fondly as the daytime bartender at the Lost Coast Brewery in the 90’s. Many lifelong bonds were forged in those days. You might also remember her as the owner of North Soles Footwear. If you’re a Crabs fan, she has probably poured you a beer or two. You might know her from her association with Tailwaggers thrift. She was also very active with local groups selling glass and collectibles.
In the words of her brother, Jon:
Beth was a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a businesswoman and the best bartender ever; An environmentalist and animal lover.
Beth was someone who cared and was cared for, by many.
There will be a celebration in honor of our Beth on August 9th from 2-7pm at the Freshwater Grange. Music will begin around 4. Please feel free to bring a photo or memento to add to the altar.
All who loved Beth are invited to attend… And as Beth might say, in lieu of flowers, bring flower.
This article appears in A Place to Stop and Rest.