Bethany Kay Zimmerman

Bethany Kay Zimmerman, 48, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by the love of her husband, children, family, and friends, on June 27, 2024.

Bethany was born May 4, 1976, in Pasco, Washington to Don and Faye Zimmerman. She exhibited leadership and a loving character from an early age. Even as a child, she would put the concerns of others before her own. She had an innate understanding of care and nurture. She knew how to talk with people and how to bond with them. Many have felt that particular love from her for decades.

Bethany was an exceptional athlete and student in high school. She was a stand-out runner on her cross-country team. She also earned excellent grades and had several ribbons around her neck when she graduated, with honors.

She carried those qualities into her college experience. Bethany again graduated with honors, from Boise State University, with a degree in Human Resources. She financed her education solely. Not because she had to, but because it was important for her to earn her degree in her time and on her terms.

In accordance with her talents and dedication, Bethany entered the working world as a human resources specialist. She served as Director of Human Resources at State Hospital West (formerly known as Idaho State School and Hospital), then continued her journey at Boise Cascade. She ultimately found her career at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare as the Employee Relations Manager. Her passion for helping others was reflected in her service and affirmed by those under her administrative guidance.

Bethany, as a person, meant a great deal to many, many people. Her circle is encompassing because she purposefully curated it. She knew how to bring people together. She had a cracking laugh, a soft touch, a soulful embrace. And she was beautiful.

Her family treasured, relied upon, and rallied for her. Her dedicated friend group, formed almost twenty years ago, ensured she was always loved, listened to, and bolstered by good glasses of wine and heartfelt conversations. When Bethany was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she founded and contributed directly to the 208 Local MS'ers group.

Her children, Cole and Zoey, meant the world to her, and she took great care in securing their future. Their continued growth and learning serve as a testament to the love she shared with them.

Bethany is a rare and special soul and it is difficult for everyone to say goodbye. Many people have felt the perfect alchemy of her gentle, uproarious, perceptive, and joyful voice. She is irreplaceable and will be dearly missed by all those she knew and loved, and who loved her in return.

Bethany is preceded in death by her mother, Faye Ida Zimmerman. She is survived by her husband, James Catchpole, their daughter Zoey Catchpole, her son Cole Zimmerman; her father, Donald Leland Zimmerman; her brother Eric Zimmerman and his wife Wendi Zimmerman; her nephew Jaxson; her mother-in-law Valerie Zoey Mahaffy (Catchpole); and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Bethany's Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 14, from 5pm-8pm at:

The Stonehouse

665 E. Park Blvd

Boise ID 83712

Additional details regarding Bethany's Celebration of Life are located here: 

Bethany Celebration of Life

Donations may be made toward:

1) Bethany's Celebration of Life: 

Bethany Celebratory Donations

2) The 208 Local MS’ers, an organization near and dear to Bethany: 

208 Local MS'ers

We look forward to seeing you and cherishing the memory of our lovely lady, who meant so much to so many.