Elizabeth K. Woodworth
Obituary's Biography:
Elizabeth Kay Woodworth, 44, passed away peacefully March 18, 2025 after an extended illness.
Beth was born on April 17, 1980, to Donn and Barbara (Goethe) Woodworth. She was a cherished only child who grew up on the west side of Rockford, always active, gardening, and enjoying the outdoors. Beth loved spending time playing cards and games with her uncles, Ron and Jerry, at her grandparents house, and playing with her cousins at her Uncle Paul and Cathy’s house. She had an early love of travel by taking vacations to Lake Tomahawk, WI, and visiting family like her aunts, MaryLou (Eric) and Dolores (Jim). As she grew, she spent time playing in the yard with her step-brothers, Mark and Scott. Beth graduated from Auburn High School in 1998, where her dad and step-mom Karla would cheer her on as she played on the basketball and tennis teams. Beth majored in Biology at Augustana College and “had the best legs” of her life due to all of the hills she had to hike up to get to class. Then Beth moved to Champaign, IL where she received her Masters Degree in Geography from the University of Illinois. While there she met Steve Tymonko who she married on October 14, 2006. Beth and Steve welcomed 2 sons, Sebastian, 12, and Zachary, 7. Beth worked as a Geographic Data Analyst for the University of Illinois Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering for many years, but her favorite job was being a mom to Seb and Zach. After the boys were born, family became her first priority as they settled into their wonderful neighborhood in Lindenhurst. They became very close with their neighbors who have been an incredible support. Beth loved being a mom and watching the boys play hockey, board games, swim, and play with Rex, their dog. Beth planned and photographed all of the family adventures, keeping a detailed photo journey on the walls of their home and maps of everywhere the family traveled. Beth had a flair for hosting family and friends at her house, especially Thanksgiving dinner, where she and Steve would create wonderful memories for all.
Beth was a selfless and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend. Her passing has left a hole that is impossible to fill and she will be incredibly missed by all. Beth was predeceased in death by her parents, Donn and Barbara Woodworth; grandparents, Helen and Vernon Goethe; and uncle, Paul Goethe. Beth is survived by her husband, Steve; sons, Sebastian and Zachary; step-mother, Karla (Les Horowitz) Woodworth; step-brothers, Scott (Ivy) Spencer and Mark (Staci) Spencer; in-laws John and Kathy Tymonko; sister-in-law Cheryl (George Greiner) Tymonko; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 31st at Wildwood Presbyterian Church in Grayslake at 2pm. Memorial donations may be made to A Safe Place, https://asafeplaceforhelp.org