Elizabeth "Beth" Jane Kilbourne

Elizabeth “Beth” Jane Kilbourne passed away in her home on the 19th of July, 2018. Beth was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on 10 July, 1968 to Jerri and Wayne Devoll. Beth attended Sandia High School. Beth married Robert “Killer” Kilbourne on 16 July, 1986. Her children are Robert Thomas, Mary Elizabeth, and Paul Massette Kilbourne.

Beth married into a military life, and her first two children were born in Albuquerque. Her steadfast and powerful attitude in defense of her family developed while her husband was involved in the eruption of Mt Pinatubo in the Philippines, “Killers Wife” was well known throughout the command for knowing how to get answers and get things done. Her youngest son Paul, was born in Okinawa Japan during the families nine years there. Beth studied in Okinawa for 7 years in a Taishogoto Studio and became the first “westerner” to become a Japanese Board of Education certified Sensei in these concert instruments. She routinely played in concerts for Japanese/Okinawa National Officials. When orders came to move to the 1st Helicopter Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington DC, Beth smiled and made it happen. “ A New Adventure” she said. Her Boy Scouts of America career including the Scouting University and Troop Committee Chari, engaged the whole family for the years in DC. September 11, 2011 resulted in a recall of her husband to the 16th Special Operations unit at Hurlburt Field Florida and another great adventure in a new place. Beth kept the family together through deployment after deployment and his trips to the dessert. Her strong spirit helped the younger wives of deployed service members deal with their fears and problems and sometimes their grief.

The retirement of Mr. Kilbourne offered an opportunity for change, and the family bought a bakery. Beth is an artist in many different mediums and cakes were a true calling. As preferred vendor for the San Destin Hilton and several other Gulf Coast resorts she was well known both locally and nationally for beauty and delicious flavors, offered with great care. Another career change brought the Family to Huntsville Alabama. The eldest Son, Robert, stayed in Florida with his new family and her daughter Mary joined the US Marine Corps. In Huntsville, her youngest son, Paul joined the US Navy where his is stationed on the USS Ronald Reagan. Beth began to study metaphysical theory and herbal/natural healing and how it can assist with traditional medicine. This knowledge blossomed into group of online stores and her vending at events of all kinds throughout the Midwest. Her discoveries and understanding of natural interactions and the power of positive attitude help light many peoples way in life. Beth put all of this on hold and happily moved to Madison Mississippi, when the time came, her last days were spent close to her husband and were as happy as any in the past. Beth Kilbourne was a fierce and tender wife and mother and daughter, and could make friends in a minute. While we are saddened by her passing, we are all better for knowing and loving her, we celebrate the joy she brought all who called her a friend.