Beth Ann Thorpe

Beth Ann Rider was born April 29, 1947, in Milbank, SD, the third daughter of Victor and Violet (Lauritsen) Rider. Beth grew up on a farm near Wilmot, SD, where she learned to love animals and nature. Beth was confirmed at the Lutheran church in Marvin, SD. Throughout the years, she was involved in assisting with Sunday School and confirmation instruction. She served on various committees and sang in the choir and worship Praise Team.
She attended grade school at Kilborn # 2, and graduated from Wilmot High School in 1965, an honor student with perfect attendance. Beth was among the first class to graduate from the Dental Hygiene program at North Dakota State School of Science, Wahpeton, ND, in 1967, where she received an Associates degree with honors. She worked as a Registered Dental Hygienist for approximately twenty years in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
In 1988, she received a Bachelor of Science degree as an honor student, in Social Studies Education from North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND. Her career as a teacher began at Moorhead Junior High School. In 1993, Beth earned her Masters Degree, again as an honor student, from Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.
She continued teaching at Horizon Middle School in Moorhead until 2008, when she retired for health reasons. Beth loved being a student. She enjoyed her teaching career and loved her students. As a teacher, Beth was recognized as Teacher of the Month, Teacher of the Year, and in 2004 - 2005, was named "Who's Who Among America's Teachers." She served four years as a housemother to the Farm House Fraternity at NDSU.
Beth and Roger Thorpe were married November 25, 1966. They had two children, Thomas Roger and Vicki Ann. In 1995, she married Mike Rasmussen. She has remained single since 1997, continuing to make her home in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Beth enjoyed music - as a listener, dancer or playing the piano or accordion. She took pride in her gardening, canning and cooking, home remodeling and decorating. She loved riding horse and the constant companionship of her cats. Beth loved humor and treasured the company of family and friends.
Beth died peacefully Saturday, March 27, 2010, in her home, at sixty-two years of age, under the loving care of her family and Hospice of the Red River Valley

Beth is survived her mother, Violet Rider, Wilmot; son, Thomas (Kim) Thorpe, Omaha, NE; da
Burial will be in Wilmot Cemetery, Wilmot.
Beth's family will be gathering to greet family and friends Thursday, April 1, 2010, at 10:30 AM, at the First Presbyterian Church in Wilmot.