Beth Merrill Harsch

Beth Merrill Harsch, a resident of Westminster Shores, passed away December 10, 2009. Beth was born June 4,1919, to Cleeta and John E. Merrill in Spirit Lake, Iowa. She graduated from the Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, with a Bachelor of Science Degree and a teaching certificate in Home Economics. She married her college sweetheart, David Harsch and they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on February 28, 2009. David preceded her in death in April, 2009. Mrs. Harsch was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and Palma Sola Presbyterian Church in Bradenton, Florida. She was past President of the PTA in Quincy , Illinois, active in the women's groups of the First Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, Illinois and past President of Great Mates of the Bradenton Yacht Club. She enjoyed 40 years of boating with her family, bowling, and was an avid bridge player. She is survived by her three children Jane (Ray) Knudsen of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Steven (Martha) Harsch of Tucson, Arizona, and John (Sue) Harsch of Matthews, North Carolina, her sister Maxine (Bill) Gilmore of Lake Wales, Florida, and her sister-in-law Mildred Merrill of San Pedro, California. She has six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A service in Celebration of Mrs. Harsch's life will be held on Monday, December 14, 2009, 10:30 AM, at Westminister Shores, 1700 3rd. Ave W, Bradenton, Florida. Memorial gifts may be directed to Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209.