Beth Anne Kneib
July 13th, 1956 - May 8th, 2019
Beth Anne Kneib, 62, passed away on the morning of May 8, 2019 at home in Woodway, Washington.
Beth was born in Quincy, Massachusetts to Richard T. Margeson and Barbara (Thompson) Trainor on July 13th, 1956. At a young age she moved to Scituate, Massachusetts where her childhood was spent growing up enjoying the beautiful summers of the quaint seacoast town. She graduated from Scituate High School and later attend the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. After college she went on to complete a Doctorate of Optometry in 1986 from the Southern California College of Optometry, where she served as the first female president of the American Optometric Student Association. She later went on to complete residency at the American Lake Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
While at school in Greeley, Beth met Fred, a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy, while on a blind date. The following year Beth married Frederick Joseph Kneib (Fred) on June 25th, 1976 in Scituate, Massachusetts. They later had two children, Cameron and Katelyn, while residing in Woodway, Washington where they continued to live over the years.
As an optometrist, Beth spent time working in hospital-based services, surgical co-management centers, surgical quality assurance, and directed professional relations programs for both privately and publicly owned companies over the years. She eventually decided to transition her career to advocacy and policy work at the American Optometric Association, where she served as director of the Clinical Resources Group and helped standardize national practice guidelines.
Throughout her career she served on numerous professional committees, including the Agency for Quality Alliance Steering Group, and served as an adjunct faculty member of three optometric colleges and universities. She was a relentless advocate for patients and for quality improvement in the field of optometry.
In her personal life, Beth was an avid gardener and landscaper. She and Fred loved to remodel homes over the years, and she particularly enjoyed watching wild deer roam through the back yard during the early mornings. She will be lovingly remembered and missed as a caring wife, mother, daughter, sister, coworker and clinician.
She is preceded in death by her father Richard T. Margeson, and is survived by her husband, Frederick J. Kneib of Woodway, WA; children, Cameron J. Kneib and Katelyn A. Kneib of Woodway, WA; mother, Barbara T. Trainor of Hingham, MA; brother, Richard T. Margeson of Scituate, MA; and sister Gail C. Cona of Marshfield, MA.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 19th, 2019 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at Beck's Tribute Center, 405 5th Ave S, Edmonds, WA 98020. Please share memories with the family at www.beckstributecenter.com.
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Unfortunately, looking at those posting here, none of Beth's classmates from optometry school were aware of her passing; otherwise, I can assure you, many more would have posted their condolences. Being away from home, essentially for the first time, Beth and Fred welcomed me into their home in San Bernadino when we first started school which helped ease the adjustment to a new place and a new experience. While we went in different directions in our careers, I always appreciated their hospitality and kindness. You and our profession lost a great person. Sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to Fred and the rest of the family at Beth's passing, albeit belated.
Geoffrey F. Chiara, O.D.
December 16, 2019
To Barbara Trainor and family, I am saddened to hear of the loss of Beth. Sending my condolences to the entire family and her dear children!
Grace Franco
May 19, 2019
Dear Fred, Cameron and Katelyn, Beth was a part of our girls "theater group" in Shorewood Hills. She was a kind, gracious friend to our group and a good and caring neighbor. We will all miss her warmth and her smile. She will not be forgotten. With great sympathy and gratitude for knowing her,
Sue Kimpton
May 19, 2019
When I first heard the news Of Beths passing, I had no words. Which is why this is the first time I have made a comment. Beth had a calm sweet spirit that was punctuated with piercing intellect, logic, and reason. I only knew her a short time, less than a year really, after I became a volunteer on the AOA evidenced based optometry committee, which she flawlessly directed. She has left a great impact on my life, and I will remember her always.
Beatrice Reed
May 18, 2019
Beth was an advocate for the growing profession of Optometry and was my advocate to pursue a career in the specialty of retina. I will miss her tremendously
Jay Haynie
Jay Haynie
May 17, 2019
Beth always had a smile and time for a visit, no matter how busy she might have been. She'll be missed by so many.
Mira Swiecicki
May 17, 2019
Beth was a great doctor and wonderful person. Our profession will mis her.
John Coble
May 16, 2019
Oh, dear Fred, Cameron and Katelyn, on this Mother's Day I share with you my deepest condolences on your loss. I'm heartbroken on your behalf. Beth lived an amazing and fulfilling life, and I was always impressed with her intrinsic kindness. She will forever be a role model to her children.
My heart is with all of you.
Sarah Hathaway
May 12, 2019
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