Beth Elaine (Gardner) Tarvin

DIXON — Beth Elaine (Gardner) Tarvin, 94, of Dixon, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2017, at Heritage Square Retirement Home in Dixon.

Visitation will be 10 - 11 a.m., Monday, April 17, 2017, at Dixon United Methodist Church followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m. at the church, with Rev. Tim Mitchell and Rev. HeeWon Kim, officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling at a later date.

Beth was born March 16, 1923, in Lyndon, to Bessie (Brumley) and Elmer Gardner. Her childhood was spent in Lyndon where she enjoyed the small-town atmosphere; visiting with neighbors, being sent for groceries and stopping in at her father’s hardware store.

Beth graduated from Lyndon High School in 1941. Following graduation, she attended nurses’ training at Sterling School of Nursing, graduating in 1944 as a registered nurse. She worked at the Sterling Clinic for Drs. Reavley, Redmond and Milcarek for several years. She enjoyed this time with these three doctors and could often be heard to quote one of them regarding medical issues.

Beth was united in marriage to DeVere Miller Tarvin on Jan. 11, 1947 in Lyndon. They resided in Sterling. Martha Sue (Larry) Walley and Philip (Sally) Tarvin were both born to this union during their time in Sterling.

In 1953, the family moved to Milledgeville, and remained there until 1965. While in Milledgeville, Beth was active in the Methodist Church, played golf and enjoyed many dinners and get togethers with close friends that she remained in contact with until the time of her death.

In 1965, Beth and her family moved to Dixon. She became active in many community organizations, serving as a Pink Lady at KSB Hospital, a member of Practical Club, and a member of PEO. She also served for 10 years on the Lee County Board of Health and 10 years on the board at the Sinnissippi Mental Health Center.

Beth’s church was important to her, and she was a faithful member of the Dixon United Methodist Church where she served in many areas. She continued to attend church as long as she was able.

Beth is survived by her children, Martha (Larry) Walley and Philip (Sally) Tarvin. She is further survived by her grandchildren, Heather Walley and Eric (Becky) Walley. Also surviving are two great-grandsons, Logan and Lucas Walley. Her sister, Audrey Stein, also survives.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Cecil and Dean Gardner and one sister, Eleanor Wenk.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heritage Square and the Dixon United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are being completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon.

Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.