East Middlebury, VT- Elizabeth “Beth” Patch Wilkinson died on March 16th, 2022. Beth was born on February 19, 1931 in Rutland, daughter of George Oscar Patch Jr. and Elfeda Bartholemew Patch. Beth grew up in Castleton Corners, graduating from Fair Haven High School in 1949. In September, Beth moved to Boston, Massachusetts, to attend Fay Secretarial School and graduated in June 1950. Beth stayed in Boston working for the C.R. Swaney Company until Feb. of 1952, enjoying running the PBX (switchboard).
Beth was engaged on July 27, 1950 to the love of her life Roy Wilkinson, just before he left for Korea; they were married shortly after his return in October, 1951. October 1951-August 1966, Roy & Beth lived many places courtesy of the USMC: Boston; Miami and Opa Locka, Florida; Albany, Georgia; Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, North Carolina; and, Newport, Rhode Island. As the USMC doesn’t take dependents overseas, Beth and children lived in Vermont the 2 times Roy had 16-month overseas tours. The years spent moving around, Beth volunteered in her churches, Girl Scouts, and the schools plus carpooling. When Roy retired from the Marine Corps in 1966, they moved their family back to Vermont. Beth did office work at Middlebury College, retiring in 1994. From close friendships with many Middlebury students, Beth & Roy learned a lot about the United States and some foreign cultures without leaving home.
Beth’s faith has always been a priority in her life. Active in church, community and enjoying her family were very important to her. Other interests included: friends (email was great!), travel (including Amtrak trips), computers, research, cross-stitch, crossword puzzles, photography, genealogy and reading.
Beth is survived by her two sons, Alan (Deb) and Barry (Barb) and son-in-law Ron Dubuque and a sister Veontha and 2 brothers George (Liz) and Melvin (Darla). She was blessed by her eight grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. Beth was predeceased by her daughter Wendy, her husband Roy of 68 years, her brother-in-law Stanley Modeen and her father and mother.
Memorial Service will be at Memorial Baptist Church in Middlebury, VT on Sunday April 10th, 2022 at 1:00pm; Reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall. Beth will be buried at Prospect Cemetery in East Middlebury, VT in a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Memorial Baptist Church. To send online condolences to her family please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com
Sending Beth’s family our sympathy, I worked with her on the Historical Society project of recording Prospect Cemetery information on the monuments and mapping the cemetery. She was the one to get it started and proved to be a wonderful project and is now on the internet via Find A Grave, facilitating research. Both she and Roy were very supportive of our Society. Sorry we will be away on vacation and will not be able to attend her service. She was such a good person. Linda and Howard Kelton
I was sad to hear about Beth’s passing. I knew her when she worked at Public Safety. We worked together, when I was a security officer. She did her work professionally, and she treated people with respect. Her smile brighten the room, and the students were always glad to see her, because they knew she would help them, no matter what it was. When she retired,it left a big space to fill. Her laughter would make you smile, and make your day better. She loved her family, and would share how they were doing. She loved Roy, and that would show, when they were together. Take care Beth. I’ll never forget our great times together. Julia Nadeau
With deep sympathy to Beth’s family. She was a warm, kind, generous, caring person. You see it so clearly in her picture. The world needs more people like her.
Judy and Michael Olinick
Middlebury
Very saddened to read of Beth’s passing, but like to think that Roy was waiting with his big smile and twinkling eyes. Beth and Roy were the best across-the-road neighbors for the 10 years that I lived in
East Middlebury. So proud of their family, church, Marine Corps friends, and so active in the life of
the community. Always generous, kind and caring. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to visit during these
pandemic years…. My thoughts and love to the family, and it is good to know that Beth is now Home….
Beth and Roy were friends and colleagues among the Baptists of VT for many years. They were helpful in so many ways. Now that Beth has gone home to be with Roy in the presence of our Lord, may those in sorrow rejoice in the faith that they displayed.
We have known Beth and Roy for nearly 60 years,, first as members of the Ilsley Baptist Church, then as members of the Vergennes square dance club. We enjoyed many good times together, often at a meal which Roy had prepared. Roy’s witticisms and Beth’s laughter contributed to our many enjoyable hours with them. They are greatly missed, but we know they are happy to be together again in Heaven. May God bless them both.
To my wonderful cousins and families, I wanted to express my sincerest sadness in the passing of Aunt Beth. It’s been too many years since we’ve all been together and I miss the chance for hugs with her and all of you. I’m sorry that I won’t be able to make the memorial service (I live in Florida now) but please know my thoughts and prayers will be with you all. With love, Steve Patch