Idaho Statesman, The (Boise, ID) – July 16, 2009
Deceased Name: Bethene Spahr Eaton
July 31, 1920 – July 14, 2009

Beth Eaton died of pancreatic cancer on July 14, 2009 in Boise Idaho at the age of 88 under the loving care of her devoted sons and daughters-in-law. Beth was born on July 31, 1920 to Earl W. Spahr and Mabel Henderson Spahr in Holbrook, Idaho where the family was homesteading. When Beth was two, the family moved to Pocatello, Idaho, which Beth called home for next 84 years. Beth was musically gifted from an early age, especially piano and voice. She graduated from Pocatello High School in 1938 and began working at Western Union. Beth was a lifelong member of the Central Christian Church, where she met her future husband Rex Eaton. Rex and Beth were married on Jan. 7, 1940. Rex and Beth celebrated their 67th anniversary just prior to Rex’s passing in February 2007. Beth and Rex had four sons, Ron (Carol) of Graeagle, Calif.; Steve (Judy) and W. Brent (Patti) of Boise, Idaho, and Tim (Pamela) of Sparks, Nevada. Beth enjoyed her family and extended family, always having fond memories of family outings at Yellowstone and Redfish Lake with her boys and the Eaton-Spahr-Freckleton gatherings. Beth was devoted to her family, her church and her music. Beth was widely recognized as an accomplished vocalist and teacher of piano and voice. She was the music and choir director of her church for many years. One of her proudest accomplishments was forming and directing the first bell choir at the Central Christian Church. She was most happy when she was accompanying her husband Rex on the piano. Beth worked along side her husband in the insurance and real estate business for many years and later worked for Farmers Insurance until her retirement. Beth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rex, her brother Douglas, her best friend and sister Pauline (Ponnie) and brother-in-law Chet. She is survived by her baby brother Mack and his wife Prill, her sons and daughters-in-law, 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the love and support of her many loyal and caring friends and extended family members in Pocatello and Boise. Special thanks to St. Luke’s Hospice staff and nurses and the amazing staff of Wynwood at Brookdale. For those wishing to make a contribution in Beth’s memory, the family suggests the Boise Christian Retirement Village, 3223 N. 36th, Boise, Idaho 83703. Services will be held Friday, July 17, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the University Christian Church at 1801 University Drive, Boise, Idaho with graveside services at the Pioneer Cemetery immediately following. Reverends Roger Bray and Ken Stamper will officiate. Services are under the direction of Summers Funeral Home, Boise Chapel. The family will welcome friends at a visitation on Thursday evening from 5 – 8 p.m. at Summers Funeral Home 1205 W. Bannock Street, Boise, Idaho.