Elizabeth "Beth" Ann Kennedy

Elizabeth "Beth" Ann Kennedy passed away March 13, 2024; just a month and a half shy of her 94th birthday.  She was born in Oakland, CA on April 25, 1930, to parents Clifford and Mayme Dodge.

She grew up with and outlived her 5 siblings whom she adored:  Irene Murphy (Tom), Steven Dodge (Helga), Leland Dodge (Elaine), Vernon Dodge, and Nadine Dodge.  After her mother became ill, her father arranged to have all 6 children live on a farm in Enumclaw, WA under the care of Mayme's Aunt Jen and Uncle Alvie.  Beth shared many of her farm memories with her family.  She graduated from Enumclaw HS and was employed at the Bank of Enumclaw.  She met her future husband Lloyd D. Kennedy (predeceased Beth) on a blind date.  Smitten by Beth, Lloyd visited her frequently and married her at the Lutheran Church in Enumclaw, WA on October 7, 1950.

Their first home was behind the Kennedy family on Tacoma Ave.  They moved to the property on 35th and East N, living in a converted poultry house until they were able to bring 2 houses onto the property, one of which was converted into their permanent home until 2000.  There Beth supported the family as a homemaker and mother.  She gave birth to 5 children: Ronald (predeceased Beth), Charles (predeceased Beth), Robert (Denise), Daniel (Cindy), and Kathleen Alley (William predeceased Beth).  

A serious car accident in October 1965 nearly took Beth's life and took her many years to fully recover.  She rallied and prepped for many wonderful family road trips that they took each summer.  Canada was a favorite.  She and Lloyd frequently took trips throughout the US and abroad with a local travel group.  She could almost always be counted on to win at the casinos they visited.  They loved watching their grandchildren's sports and school performances when they could.  They built their dream home in 1999.  Beth and Lloyd loved Gig Harbor, deer, and birds.  Gardening was her passion.  She loved growing and watching her flowers bloom each year.  Unexpectedly, Lloyd passed away in June 2011.  Beth continued to live in their Gig Harbor Home until December 2023.

Beth is survived by 3 of her 5 children: Robert, Daniel, and Kathleen, her 7 grand-children: Sean (Molly), Kyle (Karina), Kjirsten (Andrew), Scott (Melissa), James, Hadley, and Emma; and her 8 great-grandchildren:  Gavin, Ellie, Avalee, Aubrey, Kennedy, Blake, Finley, and Lachlan.  She is also survived by many nephews, nieces, and great nephews and nieces.

Beth treasured her attentive neighbors, Sharon, Nancy, and Dave.  We thank them for always keeping a watchful eye on Beth as she aged and became more fragile.  We also want to thank Gig Harbor Fire Dept., St. Anthony's hospital staff, Cottesmore Rehabilitation Center, and Cottesmore Assisted Living Facility for their warm attentive care and kind words when Beth passed.  

Beth is interred at Orting Cemetery, Orting, WA alongside her husband Lloyd, their son Charles, and many of her ancestors.