Beth Carpenter

A celebration of life service for Beth Carpenter, 75, of Chariton, will be held Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Interment will be at the Chariton Cemetery and a luncheon will be held at the funeral home following the services.  Family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton.  In lieu of flowers, memorials will be used to purchase a park bench for "Braden Lane" for all to enjoy.

Beth Carpenter, a kind and amazing woman who always put others first, passed away on May 26th, 2023 at her home in Chariton, Iowa. She was born on January 4th, 1948 in Lucas County in her sister’s room with her Grandma Offenburger and her Aunt Bertha assisting Dr. Jarvis. She graduated from Chariton High School in 1966 where she also worked at Places Dime Store.

In 1975 she married Richard Carpenter and moved back to Chariton. With this marriage she was blessed to gain two sons, Curtis and Craig. In 1980, Kristen was born making the family complete. Beth and Richard did many things together including golfing, car races and shows, and watching Hawkeye games. Beth may not have liked to golf or watch cars, but she always enjoyed the friends they made. She was truly a people person and loved to be out doing things with her friends.

Beth had a long and successful career, beginning at Northwestern Bell Telephone before moving onto NBT Bank and Central Savings and Loan both in Chariton. Her true calling came when she began working for the Chariton School District, where she spent 26 years as secretary at Garfield School, the Middle School, and at the Superintendent's office. She had a heart for helping people that was invaluable to the school community.

After retiring from the school district in 2016, Beth worked at the Farm Bureau office alongside her friend Suzi James. She was the welcoming face when you entered the business, with her infectious smile and warmth making everyone feel like family.

Cooking was one of Beth's favorite hobbies which she inherited from her mother. Her mac and cheese recipe became famous around town. Beth was a faithful member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for many years.  She enjoyed scrapbooking, shopping, walking, and visiting with friends in her spare time.

Beth fought tirelessly against an illness with a strength that amazed everyone who knew her. Her positive attitude persisted throughout her battle, earning her rightful place as a true warrior.

She is survived by Richard Carpenter, her loving husband; Kristie Carpenter, Curt (Julie) Carpenter, Craig Carpenter -her children; six grandchildren – Adam Carpenter, Ben Carpenter, Anna Carpenter, Kaden Carr, Kaleb Carr, and Kennedy Jane Carr; siblings: Arlene Irving, Floyd (friend Cindy) Smith, and Ed (Marlene) Smith; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Those who preceded Beth in death are her parents Jerry and Ethel Smith; as well as brother-in-law Ken Irving.

Beth will always be remembered as the nicest person, friendly, sweet, and amazing. She was an angel among us who knew the true value of love and kindness towards her family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Rest in peace Beth. You were cherished and will be missed by everyone who knew you.