Beth Alicia Watts Bridges

Beth Alicia Watts Bridges

RINGGOLD, LA- Life long native of Minden, La. and recent resident of Ringgold, La. Beth Alicia Watts Bridges passed away at her home in the early hours of Friday June 13, 2008 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Services will be at Lakeview United Methodist Church in Minden at 2 PM Monday June 16, 2008. Interment will be at Minden Cemetery. Visitation will be at Lakeview United Methodist Church 301 Lakeshore Dr. Minden, La. from 4-9 PM Sunday June 15, 2008.

Officiating will be Rev. Dave Sheehan, Rev. Tom Logan, and Rev. Ed Dilworth.

Named Minden's 2001 Cultured Pearl by Cultural Crossroads, the Minden High graduate attended Northwestern State University receiving many scholarships in piano, choir, band and scholastic achievement. She graduated Summa Cume Laude with a degree in Music Education. Her dream was to teach children the joy of music through choir and piano as it was taught to her by Mrs. Cindy Madden, D.J. Harman, Mrs. Betty Keating, Mrs. Mary Wilkie, and Drs. Burt and Christine Allen.

Shortly after graduation, those dreams were interrupted by the diagnosis of neuro-blastoma cancer. Beth began a new journey fighting to conquer this childhood disease. For two and one half years she became an inspiration to everyone she knew, taking on chemo therapy and radiation, even trying an experimental drug, in her quest to help other adults with pediatric cancers. She showed bravery and determination that was outstanding in someone her age. In October of 2007, she learned that there was another cancer, and again she battled on, still teaching piano lessons in spite of her illness.

In November 2007 she married the love of her life, Aarin McBride Bridges, and he joined her in a valiant fight for healing. His love and support kept her forging ahead.

Beth is survived by her husband, Aarin McBride Bridges, her parents, Wally & Marsha Watts of Minden, her brother and best friend, Craig Alan Watts and wife Suzy, of Shreveport, brother-in-law, Jay Bridges of Minden, grandfather, Leon Howell Basinger of Ringgold, Aunt Betty Rose Watts of Minden, Aunt and Uncle Janice and Gerald Northcutt of Ringgold, Cousins, Jordan & Jerry Northcutt of Ringgold, Jessica Bates and her husband Jason of Killeen, Texas and their children Paige and Kallie, Father and Mother-in-law, Murphy and Lisa Bridges, and Grandmother-in-law, Eugenia Bridges, and her "forever sweetheart", Mr. Howard Spillers, who never forgot her birthday or Valentine's Day.

She is also survived by her extended family members of the Society of Creative Anachronisms, (the SCA). You have all been a huge part of her life, and we are humbled and honored by your outpouring of love and concern for her. She was truly happy when participating in your many activities and events. She considered you all brothers and sisters.

Gone before her and waiting to greet her in heaven, are her Grandmother Billie Basinger and Grandparents, Walter & Frances Watts.

Her family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. "Bob" Massingill and his wife Lisa, and his wonderful staff at Christus Schumpert Highland Clinic. Your love and care and Christian outreach to all of us will never be forgotten. You did so many special things for Aarin and her. We were amazed at your never ending search for treatments and answers. God bless each of you.

We owe thanks to so many people who showed Christian love and out reach during her illness. Mr. Walker,and his crew, who made her home so pretty. Mr. Gibson, who prepared for flowerbeds, Mr. Clevenger who helped with air-conditioning, Nena Nelson and her husband, who took their personal time to put down floor tile in their house, the Shreveport District Methodist Handicap Ramp team, who made access to her home easier for her, those who gave blood and platelets tirelessly, the many churches who kept her on their prayer lists and prayed constantly, those who had fundraisers to help with their expenses, the members of Minden Lakeview United Methodist Church who have been her family since she was a very little girl, and so many others who carried her through every step of this hard journey.

Memorials may be made to: The Building Fund, Choir Fund of Lakeview United Methodist Church, 301 Lakeshore Drive, Minden, La. 71055, or The American Cancer Society, 1599 Clifton Road NE Atlanta, Ga. 30329,or Beth Watts Bridges Scholarship fund, c/o Craig Watts, 6425 Youree Drive. Suite 180, Shreveport, La. 71105. Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Minden Chapel (318) 377-3412