Beth Laroche Walkup

Born on April 7, 1943, in Sioux City, Iowa, Beth was raised in Nebraska, where she often faced the challenges of tornadoes and swarms of grasshoppers. She embraced these experiences with a sense of adventure, eagerly anticipating the moments she could enjoy her grandmother’s homemade preserves while sheltering in the storm cellar.

Beth earned her degree in Communications from Hastings College in 1965. As a single mother, she forged a successful career in the nonprofit sector, rising through senior executive roles and dedicating herself to improving the lives of others. Her work spanned education, management, social services, and international development, including pivotal roles as Vice President for Project Concern International and CARE, Inc., where she helped raise over $100 million to combat hunger and poverty globally. Beth was particularly passionate about her efforts in Africa and Central America.

In 1991, Beth relocated to Tucson, Arizona, from Washington, D.C., believing it was a new chapter guided by faith. She took on the role of Director of the Tucson Children’s Museum, and in 1994, she married Bob Walkup, a partnership that brought new vigor to her life.

When Bob was elected Mayor of Tucson in November 1999, Beth became the city’s First Lady. Her tenure was marked by her compassionate leadership, notably in uniting faith-based institutions following the 9/11 attacks and providing support to Katrina refugees. Her efforts were especially meaningful in the wake of the tragic events of January 8, 2011, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to kindness and community solidarity.

Upon retiring, Beth continued to make a difference as a consultant, revitalizing numerous nonprofit organizations across the United States. In Tucson, she was instrumental in supporting the Tucson Children’s Museum, Southern Arizona Food Bank, and Tucson Girls Chorus, among others. She was a very generous grandmother to her grandchildren by birth, and also her "chosen" grandchildren – including trips, babysitting, outings, and celebrations. She delighted in organizing summer "camps" for her grandchildren, with fun themes like creating a gourmet feast with formal place settings, train rides, and scavenger hunts.

Beth’s life was a testament to selflessness and faith. She lived with a deep love for God, her family, and everyone she encountered, always prioritizing the needs of others. Her legacy of compassion and generosity touched countless lives during her 81 remarkable years.

She is survived by her daughters from her first marriage, Stacy Timmons of Kansas City, Missouri, and Shannon Hope of Tucson; her step-children Jonathan Walkup of Tucson, and Holly Walkup Carter (Dennis) of Bend, Oregon; and grandchildren, Skyler Timmons of Kansas City, Missouri, Rebeckah Hathaway of Austin, Texas, Sterling Walkup of Dallas, Texas, Emily Carter of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Matthew Carter (Emma) of New Plymouth, Idaho. Beth was preceded in death by her husband Bob Walkup, and youngest step-daughter, Julia Walkup Middleton of Greensboro, North Carolina.

The Walkup family would like to thank the wonderful employees and volunteers at TMC Hospice, Peppi's House, for the loving care that Beth received on her sacred journey. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Tucson Girls Chorus, a nonprofit organization which provides an outstanding choral education program for girls in grades K-12, with additional co-ed programs to serve all of Tucson’s youth: https://tucsongirlschorus.org.