Beth (Myrtle Elizabeth) Garriott lost her third battle with cancer on December 2, 2024, when she succumbed to lung cancer. She had previously overcome breast cancer and colon cancer.
Beth was born June 5, 1936, in Corvallis, Oregon, to Charles Theodore and Vivian Lavica Smith. She grew up in and around Philomath, Oregon, graduating from PHS in 1954. She was musically talented, played the piano and sang in a trio of classmates who performed at school and local functions. She was an enthusiastic cheer squad member and leader.
Beth’s talents included sewing, knitting, crocheting and oil-on-canvas painting. Her daughter recalls, with great appreciation, the original and restyled outfits Beth produced for her. Several friends and family members sported knitted winter caps and slippers she produced, and the walls of her homes were graced with her artwork.
In August 1954, she married schoolmate Rod Garriott. Over the years she lived in Klamath Falls, Corvallis, Albany, Eugene, Bellevue, Washington, and Anchorage, Alaska, as Rod’s work dictated. She worked a short time at OSU until her first child was born, then made being a mother her full-time job. Later in life, she completed an office worker degree and worked in real estate offices and a moving/storage company in Anchorage.
Beth was a founding member of Shadow Hills Country Club where she learned to play golf. She also enthusiastically participated in the social activities of the club. She and Rod made several trips to visit and play golf in Hawaii. After retiring, there were numerous RV trips throughout the Western states and across the U.S. to visit family and friends.
Beth is predeceased by her parents; siblings, Ted and Marlys; and son Michael. Surviving family members include husband, Rod; son, Steven; daughter, Tamara Johnston; 11 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.