Beth W. Noble

Noble, Beth W.
Aug. 27, 1918 - Jul. 22, 2015
Beth W. Noble, born in New Haven, Ct, died in Venice on July 22, 2015. She received a BA in Modern Languages from Albertus Magnus College, and an MA and PhD from Yale University in Romance Languages with Honors. She did Post-Graduate study in Russian at the Universities of California and Indiana, and at the Middlebury Language School.
In World War II, Dr. Noble was a Senior Interpreter in the U.S. Dept. of State. She taught at Mary Washington College, Smith College, the University of Kansas, and at Grinnell College, where she was a Professor and served as Chairman of the Spanish Dept. and the Russian Program. She created a Russian Studies Major and the Russian Dept. Dr. Noble served as College Marshall and as Chairman of the Committees on Admissions, Library, and Honors and Awards. The Student Study Terrace at Grinnell was named after her. Dr. Noble published a number of articles and book reviews and co-authored a Spanish textbook.
After her retirement, she moved to Florida and enjoyed bridge, golf and travel. She was a member of the Venice-Nokomis Women's Club and served as a volunteer in the Venice Hospital and in both libraries.
Survivors include her three dear nephews, Larry Bigelow of Massachusetts, and Randy and Clint Bigelow of Connecticut. National Cremation & Burial Society of Sarasota is handling arrangements. At Dr. Noble's request, there will be no services. Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Salvation Army and the Humane Society.