Elizabeth "Beth" Alexander

Elizabeth "Beth" Alexander, born April 9, 1958, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2012, from breast cancer. A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, and a mass at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 11, both at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

She spent the last 16 years teaching English and speech at the Renwick School District Garden Plain High School, after having taught at Nickerson, Derby, and Kapaun-Mt. Carmel High Schools. Her passion was teaching, and she spent 32 years sharing her love of literature and the spoken word with her "kids."

Beth loved to read and just to "be" in nature. She also was an actress, performing at Wichita State University, Wichita Community Theatre, Kechi Community Playhouse, Community Theatre, and Music Theatre of Wichita.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Donna Alexander.

Survivors include her best friend and soulmate, Shirley Bessette; sisters, Karen (Tom) Hoffman of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Samantha Anne Monet of Arlington, Va.; brother, John (Mary-Kaye) of Phoenix, Ariz.; nephews, Micah Alexander and Joshua (Therese) Alexander; and great-nephew, Donovan Alexander; wonderful colleagues and her many beloved students.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Renwick Education Foundation, 600 W. Rush Andale, Kan. 67001. Condolences may be offered at www.devorssflanaganhunt.com.