Beth Cobb

On November 12, 2025, Beth Cobb, beloved mother, wife, friend, and educator passed away peacefully at McClure-Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vermont.

The youngest child and only girl, Beth was born on October 29, 1963 to Helen (Clarkson) and Russell Ripley in Hanover, Massachusetts. She moved to Vermont in 1981 to attend Lyndon State College, and Dave made sure she never left. Together, they raised their family of three: William, Allison, and Jay.

Beth's professional journey began in Northeast Kingdom Schools, teaching in elementary classrooms and as Coordinator of Curriculum in the Orange East Supervisory Union. In 2017, Beth was selected as superintendent for the Essex Westford Supervisory Union. Illness led to her retirement in 2025.

Beth left an indelible mark on the local and national landscape. She led the process of combining two school districts into the newly formed EWSD. With her fellow administrators, Beth served EWSD students and communities through the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic, declining financial support, and an ever-changing political landscape. Beth always insisted that the focus remain centered on student successes. Beth successfully presented at many national conferences, and was retained by the University of Washington as an instructor and mentor.

Beth is survived by husband, Dave; Son, William (Tricia Freeman); Allison (Tyler Moriarty); Jay (Emily Lively), and her brother Paul Ripley (Lee), several nieces and nephews. as well as many personal and professional colleagues and fellow superintendents.

Visiting hours will be held Friday November 21, 2025 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home - Essex Chapel. For a more in-depth vision into this amazing woman and leader, and to learn about her Celebration of Life, please consult her complete obituary the A. W. Rich Funeral Home web site at https://www.awrfh.com.