Beth Furner's lasting legacy

For Beth Furner, the test is over and she may now go home. Reluctantly, we say goodbye to her for a time, knowing that in our stead, others may now welcome and embrace her. We will see her again soon enough...though it doesn't feel that way just now.

Beth passed away in her sleep early the morning of October 26, 2005. Her death came quietly and peacefully. We are grateful for that knowledge, and for our faith that assures us we will be together again. Still, we grieve. We miss our wife, our mother, our sister, our friend. We love her deeply.

Beth lived a full and noble life. She never played before kings. The spotlight rarely - if ever - shown upon her. She did her work without fanfare. Instead, she labored and toiled, as the greatest among us do, without attention or acclaim. If we, as a nation, call athletes ''heroes'', surely we can put that title to better use by bestowing it on our humble, selfless and loving mothers. Such a one was Beth.

Beth Millar, daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Roderick Millar, was born in Shelley Idaho on a cool fall day, October 29, 1923. She grew up in a large family and was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 8.

Beth lived through the depression, worked during World War II as an electrician and later filled a mission for her church in “The Western States Mission”. While on that mission, she met George T. Furner, a young Elder she would eventually marry.

Beth and George were sealed together - as husband, wife and eternal companions- on November 1, 1948, at the Idaho Falls Temple. Nineteen months later, Michael, their first child was born. This small family of three eventually grew to eight, though Jon Allen, their third son and fifth child passed away 10 days after birth due to a heart complication.

Later in life, after their remaining children were grown, Beth and George returned to their missionary beginnings. They have since served as couple missionaries in Australia, Salt Lake City and Seattle. Many of their children have followed Beth's example by serving missions of their own throughout the world.

Recently, Beth developed a severe respiratory condition that made it difficult for her to breathe. Despite the oxygen regimen she received, the slightest exertion left her gasping for air. With the legacy of faith she gave us, we know that her spirit still lives. We cling to that right now and are glad that her recent suffering is at an end.

Beth is survived by: her loving husband George. Daughters: Susan, LuAnn and Tamara. Sons: Michael and Kelly. We also draw comfort from knowing that mother and son, Jon Allen are finally reunited in eternal bonds of love.

Beth's funeral service will be held on Saturday October 29, 2005 at the LDS chapel at 1720 Thayer Drive in Richland, WA. The service will begin promptly at 10AM. Anyone wishing to show their respects to our wife, mother, and sister are sincerely welcome to join the Family at a viewing Friday the 28th of October from 5 to 8PM or Saturday the 29th at 9 to 9:45AM just before the funeral service.

After her service in Richland, Beth will be taken to Shelley Idaho, where she grew up, for interment in the family plot.