Beth Rae Alexander Allen, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on May 8, 2013 after a short illness. Beth was born in Tucson, Arizona on February 11, 1931, to John A. Alexander and Myrtle Ruth Nelson Long Alexander. Beth was the 2nd of 9 children.
The family moved to a farm in Paterson, Washington, in August of 1942. She attended Paterson Elementary School, and graduated from Kennewick High School in 1948. Beth married Frank Allen of Alderdale on June 6th, 1948 in Prosser, Washington. They made their home on the river in Paterson, and had three children: baby Ronald, who was stillborn, Raymond Bruce, and Helen Marie. Beth and Frank were married for 49 years when Frank passed away in 1997.
Beth worked as a cook during wheat harvest for Merle and Betty Gwinn, a bus driver and janitor for Paterson School, and for the Post Office in Paterson for 33 years, serving as Postmaster from 1988 until her retirement. She was an active member of Paterson Community Church.
Beth enjoyed spending time near the river, she loved to travel, and she loved to visit with her friends and family. She was a loving and giving fixture to Paterson and its people. She will live on in our hearts as we commend her soul to the Lord.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents and her elder sister, Edith Leistritz. She is survived by three brothers: John Jr. (Helen), Douglas (Diane), and Jeffrey (Patty), and four sisters: Barbara Garrett, Nina Schmidt, Judy Campbell, and Laurel Alexander (Mike). She is also survived by her children Bruce (Joan) and Helen Turner (Chuck), and five grandchildren: Heather, Larry, Nickolas, Beth Anne, and Jeffrey.
A graveside service is planned for Saturday, May 18 at 1:30 pm at the Paterson Cemetery, located off Hwy 14 near Paterson, Washington. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.