In Loving Memory of Carol Beth Gillespie
Loving daughter, mother, wife, and nurse
Beth Gillespie passed into the next world on October 9th, 2019 surrounded by her family; she had been battling cancer for the last few months. She was born in Boone, Iowa on July 26th, 1957 to her proud parents Carroll and Aline Branson.
Beth is survived by her sisters Terry Wood and Lynda Brown, her brother Phillip Branson, her father-in-law Don Gillespie, brother-in-law James Gillespie, her many nieces and nephews and her three beloved children Ryan, Terri and Laura. She is also survived by her love Charles Gilman and his family. She was preceded by her loving husband, Bill, her parents, her brothers, Warren Branson, Michael Feller and Joe Feller, and her sister, Elaine Chandler.
At 5 years old Beth moved to Colorado Springs where she would enjoy spending most of her time with her elder sister and her young nieces. She was a gymnast for Coronado High School and could be found on the ice at the old World Arena in the Broadmoor. Beth graduated from Nursing school in 1984; following the family vocation and found her fit in nursing with Labor & Delivery. Beth loved helping new lives come into the world. She was a dedicated and fierce advocate for her patients. She began her nursing career at St Francis Hospital in the Springs, but worked in numerous hospitals as a travel Nurse in her later career. (She was slated to begin a new assignment 2 days after her diagnosis.) She also had a career in Mary Kay Cosmetics from 1987-1999 where she ran a successful business and rose to the level of director; taking great pride in her several red Pontiacs that she earned from the company.
Beth had an adventurous spirit and love of nature that she expressed through hiking, sailing and paddle boarding. She loved country music and square dancing with her husband Bill. A devoted animal lover she always had pets, including her travel birds Willie & Patsy which went on all travel assignments with her.
Beth loved roses and it was her request to have those at her services.
Beth’s viewing is Monday evening, October 21st, at the Shrine of Remembrance from 5-7 pm.
Beth’s funeral and burial begin Tuesday, October 22nd, at 2 pm at the Shrine of Remembrance.
Luis Blazer
18 Oct 2019My condolences to you and your family. Prayers for strength.
Ryan Gillespie
29 Jun 2021Thanks for this!! Still can’t believe all that happened!
Pamela Iorio
18 Oct 2019Prayers coming for the family.
Lee Bacon
18 Oct 2019I was fortunate enough to get to work with Beth when she was here at Palomar hospital in Escondido California.
My condolences to the whole family. Heaven must have needed someone with her loving fierceness!
Nancy Steele
19 Oct 2019I’m so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful nurse & person. Beth was my preceptor when I started work at St Francis in 2008. She was so kind & patient. My heart is full of sadness, but I know I will see her once again. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Kim Thiel
21 Oct 2019Love and prayers to you all. I am thinking of you and remembering my Aunt Beth, a kind and beautiful soul.
Pam Hicks
21 Oct 2019I am a nurse who worked with Beth in her travel assignments in Escondido, Ca. Nothing but kind words have been said about Beth as we’ve heard and shared the news of her passing. She was a wonderful nurse and human being. So sorry for your loss.
Melody Whittaker
22 Oct 2019When we lose a loved one here on earth we gain an angel in heaven. Beth has certainly gained her wings.
Sending love and prayers of sympathy to you all. ?
Anonymous
22 Oct 2019So very sorry to learn of Beths passing. I had the pleasure of working with Beth at Penrose Community Hospital. What a sweet and gentle spirit! She will be greatly missed. Sending love and hugs during this difficult time. I am still in shock……
Isabel Zelaya LPN
23 Oct 2019So Sorry to hear. She was a great nurse to work with .
Anonymous
19 Nov 2019I just found this site, belatedly. I count myself blessed & honored to have known Beth, & shared the short time in her life while she was in California. I was always thrilled when we worked a shift together. I was greatly saddened & surprised to learn of her passing, but thankful I had the chance to have her touch my life. I hope these testimonies to her wonderful nature provide some comfort to her loved ones.
Terri Gillespie
11 May 2020Miss you mom! Thank you everyone for your kind and loving words!