Beth Ellen Ide

     Beth Ellen Ide, 78, passed away peacefully at Westside Care Center in Manchester, CT on Sunday, June 8, 2025 with her son Christopher Kilkenny and his partner Ruth Hernandez Aravena at her side.

           Click here for Beth's Memorial Photo Album

     Beth was born in Worley, KY on October 30, 1946. She was adopted by Carl Ide (1919-2010) and Lois Ide (1920-2010) of Bucyrus, OH when she was 10 years old.  She was predeceased by her brother Gregory Ide who passed in 1981 and is survived by her sister Monica Sue Kaufman, husband Larry, and their many children and grandchildren.

     Beth was predeceased by Gustave Kilkenny (1935-2021) of Mainesburg, PA who was her first husband and father of her only son Christopher.

     Beth was reunited with her birth family at age 45.  Her birth name was Carolyn Thompson and she was the third of eight siblings: Ruth Thompson, Donald Thompson, Suzan (originally Marjorie) Williams, Darleen (Irene) Showman, Steve (Ralph) Reissig, and Terry (Ray) Bonham. She was predeceased by her birth parents Corbet Odel Thompson and Marie Della Strunk.

     Beth served in the U.S. Air Force from 1969 to 1973, attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal in 1972.  She earned a master’s degree in Special Education from Mansfield University in 1990 and became a teacher in Corning, NY.  Then in 2003 she completed a second master’s degree in Christian Leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary and became a minister in the Wesleyan Church.

     Beth is survived by her best friend of many years Constance Biele of Angelica, NY who shared a long spiritual path with her in which they both became ministers.

     Beth graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy and had a life-long love of the arts as a singer, pianist, and visual artist.  She was very active in church music and education throughout her life.  She had strong dedication to helping others as a volunteer, special education teacher, and minister.  She was a loving mother with great kindness and unwavering faith in God.

          Click here for Beth's Memorial Photo Album