Beth Kilpatrick Stocker, 97, Community Leader

She was born March 15, 1908 in Faribault, Minnesota.

She graduated at age 20 from Ohio University with a BS in Biology. From 1928-1935, she was employed as a research bacteriologist by the New York City Board of Health Research Laboratories, working on the development of vaccines. She married C. Paul Stocker in 1930 and moved to Lorain, Ohio in 1935. She remained there until 1993 when she moved to Kendal at Oberlin retirement community.

In 1979 she established The Stocker Foundation and served as president of the board until 2003. Beth’s personal philanthropy was quiet but significant and reflected strong personal and family values. Stocker was a long-time community leader and volunteer. She was a 70 year member of First Congregational Church UCC of Lorain and of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Among her many civic involvements over the years, she had a leadership role in Girl Scouts of Erie Shores, Lorain YWCA, Lorain Palace Civic Center, LCCC Foundation, Round Table, Wimodaughsis, Alpha Pi Sigma, Sorosis and Eastside Literary Club. She was also an active volunteer at Kendal.

Over the years she was recognized for her volunteerism and leadership, including Woman of the Year (Quota Club 1968); Women of Achievement (YMCA 1998);and the Eric C. Nord Leadership Award (Leadership Lorain County 1999). IN 2003,Ohio University presented her with an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree. In 2005, LCCC honored Stocker by naming their art gallery, The Beth K. Stocker Art Gallery and she was also honored by Camp Timberlane Girls Scouts of Erie Shores. Ohio University also awarded her with a Founders Citation for her exemplary service to O.U.

Beth especially enjoyed time with her families and friends, reading, world travel and gardening.

Beth was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, C. Paul Stocker, her parents Walter M. and Nancy Elizabeth (Smith) Kilpatrick, brother Walter S. Kilpatrick (Pat) and great-grandson Samuel Stocker Norton. Beth is survived by her daughters Nancy Woodling (Reese), of Tucson, AZ; Jane Norton (Ben G.), of Lorain, Ohio and Mary Ann Dobras (Darryl), of Tucson, AZ; eight grandchildren;16 great grandchildren; a nephew, and two nieces.

Friends may call Friday, August 26, 2005, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain. A memorial service will be held at Kendal at Oberlin Saturday August 27th at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to First Congregational Church UCC of Lorain Endowment Fund, Residents Assistance Fund (RAF) at Kendal, or a charity of your choice.