BETH SMITH HEDRICK

Beth Smith Hedrick passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family and friends on January 4, 2012 at the age of 94. True to her lifelong perspective, she remained forward-looking and positive during her illness, continuing to be concerned about and interested in those around her and their lives.

She was born September 28, 1917 t Cache Junction, UT, the youngest of Edward and Phebe Weaver Smith’s seven children. While still a young child, her family moved to Malad, ID to accommodate her father’s job as a brakeman for the Union Pacific Railroad. Beth loved school and studied music, playing the saxophone, flute, piano, and directing community singing. She was the drum major for her high school’s 87 piece marching band. She later taught and trained several bands and color guards which she enjoyed immensely.

Beth entered Albion State Normal in 1934, working for her room and board by helping in the music department. The two years she spent at Albion were among the happiest times of her life. She attended many reunions including her 75th college reunion this past June with her college friend, Adelaide Gerard. While at Albion, she made life-long friends, served as student body president, acquired teaching skills that benefited countless students during her career, and met the love of her life, Clarence Hedrick of Rupert, ID. Beth and Clarence married in August, 1936 and celebrated almost 60 years of marriage before his death in 1995.

Beth taught in numerous rural settings in Idaho during her early career, including Pleasant View, Carey and Elmwood. She and Clarence also taught together in a two-room school house in Stone, ID. Though the conditions were rough and isolated, Beth fondly reminisced about this experience and the students who attended this school, often on horseback. Beth continued her teaching while her husband was in the army during WWII and shortly thereafter, started their family.

In the summers of 1946-47, Beth and Clarence lived at Redfish Lake while he worked for the US Forest Service. They had no more than ten visitors each summer but loved their time at Redfish which fostered their love of the Sawtooths and the family cabin they would later build together during the 50’s and 60’s. Beth and Clarence eventually settled in Twin Falls after living in Vale, Oregon, St. Anthony, and Rexburg, ID. Beth’s time was filled with caring for her family and working at her husband’s side building their cabin. She was a Camp Fire Girls and 4-H leader and served as the DeMolay and Job’s Daughters “Mother”. She took education classes through Idaho State University for her Bachelor’s degree, which she received in 1963. She taught 7th grade reading in Twin Falls at O’Leary and Robert Stuart Jr. High where she positively impacted many students. Her subject specialty was reading but encouraging and motivating a student to learn was her gift. A life-long learner and advocate of education, Beth joined the Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK) International Honorary Teachers Sorority and the American Assn. of University Women in which she remained active and served as an officer until her death.

Besides her work, hobbies, and professional activities, Beth adored her seven grandchildren and enjoyed attending their activities and sporting events over the years. Some of her travels included the Pacific Northwest, Alaska & Canada, Europe and Mexico to visit family. Beth and Clarence enjoyed many close friendships over the years, especially with their friends in the Magic Valley area. She treasured these individuals and maintained a weekly contact with them.

After moving to Boise in 1993 and her husband’s death in 1995, Beth returned to the familiar setting of the classroom, obtaining her Master’s in Education with a specialty in Reading at the young age of 80. She continued with coursework at BSU as well as volunteering at the Learning Lab weekly, tutoring adults in English. At the time of her death, she had completed coursework toward her PhD with the assistance of her loyal caregiver and friend, Genene Gregor. Genene became her eyes and ears in the classroom and introduced Beth to using the computer. Beth established an agriculture scholarship at CSI in memory of her husband and later, an education scholarship at CSI in her name, both to which she donated generously. Beth’s passion for education and dedication to making her community a better place to live was a cornerstone of everyday life for her. She and Clarence were strong supporters and friends with Governor Cecil Andrus, who fought tirelessly and continually for Idaho’s school children. Beth was thrilled when Governor Andrus presented her with her Master’s Diploma during graduation ceremonies.

Beth, while active in her church in later years, had a strong lifelong faith and always looked for the good in every person and situation. Her home, which was filled with books, photographs and mementos, was a welcoming place to family and friends alike. Besides quilting and reading, she routinely watched the news, kept current on the local and national events, and never missed voting. One of Beth’s favorite activities was keeping in touch with friends and family by sending greeting cards. It is quite possible she kept Hallmark afloat for many years because of her thoughtful communications through cards.

Surviving and who will miss this remarkable and admired woman are her four children and their spouses: Nanette (Jim) Songer, Wally (Jerrie) Hedrick, Howard (Antonia) Hedrick, and Suzanne (Tom) Gillespie, all of Boise. She will also be missed immensely by her seven grandchildren: Ann, Ryan, Hallie, Tim and Clare Hedrick, and Anne-Marie and Cara Gillespie, numerous nephews and nieces and seven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence, her parents, sister Verrell Stone of Rigby, ID; brothers Franklin Smith of Idaho Falls; Nathan Smith of Logan, UT; and David Smith of Rupert, ID.

Funeral services will be held at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel on January 7, 2012 with private interment at Morris Hill Cemetery.