Beth Eighmey

SUN CITY - Beth Eighmey, 84, passed peacefully into the arms of her loving Savior, Jesus Christ, early Saturday, September 6, 2014, at Hospice of the Valley Thunderbird Pcu, after a lifetime of love and service to her family and many others. Born December 10, 1929 to Lily (Slade) and Frank Rodway in Kingwell, Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, she had a zest for living and a love of learning that became lifelong trademarks. Because her heart's passion was teaching children, Beth earned a teacher's certificate in Newfoundland before the age of 20. Moving to Phoenix as a young woman, required her to meet new certification standards, so she enrolled at Glendale Community College, making the dean's list while obtaining an associate's degree. To pay for her education, she obtained an Academy of Barbers diploma and worked with her husband in his barber shop. Subsequently she obtained a B.S. in Education from ASU, after which she taught English for many years in Phoenix Public Schools. When health issues forced her into retirement, Beth found new ways to apply her talents, including tutoring children and several years of service with the Sun City chapter of American Red Cross. She was honored as Red Cross Volunteer of the month more than once and a "Star of Arizona" for coordinating 74 volunteers who knitted items for Valley social service agencies. She also dedicated several years of service to Unity Church and to Hospice of the Valley as a trained volunteer, where her rare patience and grace were welcomed by patients and their families. Born Bertha Mildred Rodway, she married Keith Richard Eighmey in 1963 and raised five children, who often brought friends over to share in Beth's hospitality. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Keith Eighmey; an infant son, one daughter, and a sister, and brother. But she will be greatly missed by her four surviving children, Rex Richard Eighmey (Carol) of Jefferson City, Missouri, Kathy Rae Richard (Robert Chetlan), Keith Robert Starkes, and Kathy Lou Seese (Charles), all of Phoenix; twelve grandchildren, many great and great, great grandchildren; and a sister, Ivy Davis; and brother, Alfred Rodway of Newfoundland. A memorial service and fellowship gathering was held at 2 p.m., Friday, September 12, 2014 at Unity Church of Surprise, 14465 W RH Johnson Blvd., Sun City West. A memorial service is also planned for later this fall in Missouri. Contributions to Hospice of the Valley accepted in lieu of flowers.