Beth Mink was born on March 11, 1957, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and she passed away on February 19 in Wickenburg, Arizona.

Beth and I met at the Fort Armstrong Hotel in Rock Island on talent night. I was the singing postman, and Beth was the true artist-surrounded by her circle of poets, writers, and musicians. She sang so beautifully that I fell in love instantly-not only with her voice, but with her spirit. When she told me her mother had made her sweater, I was completely hooked.

From the very beginning, our love was built on music, shared values, and family. Beth loved folk music, and some of the songs she sang in those early days still echo in my heart: Joni Mitchell's A Case of You, For Free, and The Last Time I Saw Richard.

Judy Collins' Suzanne and Someday Soon.

Together we raised two sons, Christopher and Jeff Mink-Jeff is here with me today.

Beth is survived by her two sisters Rebecca Rosenburg and Diane Brown. Beth's maiden name was Elizabeth A Fisher, with parents James Fisher and Peggy Am. She will be missed by all.

Beth was a woman of strength and courage. She was one of the first women at Alcoa Aluminum to complete the journeyman electrician program, paving the way for many women who followed her into traditionally male-dominated work. She was also a poet and helped form the Indianapolis Famous Writers Club, bringing together poets and writers who shared her love of words and expression.

Beth loved people and cultures deeply. During the years I was attending engineering school at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Beth worked in Bettendorf, Iowa during her apprenticeship and helped put me through school. She later graduated from IUPUI in Indianapolis, Indiana-another reflection of her determination.

In 2021, Beth and I moved to Wickenburg, a town she quickly fell in love with-and one that clearly loved her in return. She volunteered at the Senior Center as a driver and organized bell ringing. Beth showed her love openly, as many of you here have witnessed. In these recent days, I've come to understand just how deeply she touched this community, and how that love came back to support her and our family at the end of her life.

Over the last six years, Beth's faith grew stronger. Each morning at sunrise, she sat on the back porch in her pink robe, praying the rosary and spending quiet time with Mother Mary. Watching her, I witnessed the grace of Jesus and felt great comfort knowing that her passing was peaceful and filled with God's presence.

Beth battled cancer for the last year and a half of her life. In her final week, Hospice of the Valley,

along with God's grace, made it possible for her to pass with dignity at home, surrounded by family and friends. A priest from St. Anthony of Padua performed Last Rites at her bedside-a beautiful blessing for Beth and for all of us who loved her.

My son Jeff and I are deeply grateful for the kindness, prayers, and love shown by the Wickenburg community. Beth's life was one of music, service, faith, and love-and that love continues to live on in all of us.

May Jesus welcome Beth home with joy, and may His peace surround each of us as we carry her love forward in our lives.

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