Ella Beth HURST

HURST, Ella Beth

96, of Tampa, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at the Estate in Hyde Park while under the care of LifePath Hospice. Born in Oklahoma City, she began studying dance and piano at the age three and was soon performing with her mother, Mabel K. Laird, throughout the Oklahoma City area. They moved to Tampa in 1935, where she graduated from Plant High School and attended the University of Tampa. She continued studying dance and performing, opening the Ella Beth Hurst School of Dance in 1940 where she taught until she retired in 1975. She was also active in theater, appearing in various roles at the University of Tampa and the Tampa Little Theater. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mabel K. and Harry B. Laird, and her husband of 53 years, Harry E. Hurst, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Ella Beth Goetschius (David), and son, Harry E Hurst, III (Marsha Sullivan); her grandchildren, Jennifer Passman (Robert), Graham Goetschius (Becky Scroggins), Matthew Hurst (Carey Dzierza), and Chris Hurst; and great-grandson, Elliot Passman. We would like to thank the nurses and the staff of the Estate at Hyde Park, Memorial Hospital, Dr. Diasti's office, and LifePath Hospice for the excellent care they gave Ella Beth, and all they did to make her life happier. A memorial service will be held at 11 am Saturday, May 30 at Blount & Curry MacDill Chapel, 605 S. MacDill, Tampa. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will be appreciated, "She was the queen, our rose, our star, And when she danced - Oh heaven, her dancing."