Beth Ann Skelly

Beth Ann Skelly, age 56, of Beavercreek, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025 at home surrounded by her family. She was a devoted mother, loving wife, proud “bonus” grandma, loyal friend, and the kind of person who could make a stranger feel like family within minutes.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, Beth was the beloved daughter of Judy Van Grifte and the late Erwin Kohler. She graduated from Carroll High School in 1987 and earned her degree in Hospitality–Hotel Management and Business from Michigan State University in 1991. During college, she was a proud member of Delta Alpha Gamma sorority and made lifelong friends who would remain part of her chosen family.

Beth dedicated more than 22 years to NCR as a respected Human Resources Director and later continued her career as a contractor with DRS for five years. She was known not just for her work ethic, but for her compassion, her laugh, and her refusal to take herself too seriously. Community meant a great deal to Beth—she served as Membership Chair of the Woodhaven Swim Club from 2023 to 2025 and could often be found organizing events, chatting with neighbors, or simply making people feel welcome.

Above all else, Beth was devoted to her family. She is survived by her three children, Dominic, Marco (Emma), and Paxton, who were the lights of her life. Through her marriage to Kenn Skelly, she became part of the lives of Stephen (Chandler), Matt (Brandy), and Michael (Hailey) —and she loved their children, Nicholas, Addie Kate, and Benjamin, as if they were her own.

Beth is also survived by her mother, Judy; her brother, Craig; her treasured Aunt Betty; nephews Wes (Jessie) and Joey; and her dog, Lilly—who is a little wild, but adored Beth unconditionally, and will surely be missing her every day.

The family would like to thank Dr Marcos de Lima and his dedicated team at the "James" Cancer Hospital for their unwavering care of Beth. In addition, the family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Jeanette with Vista Hospice who went above and beyond taking care of Beth in her final days.

The family will begin celebrating Beth’s life with a visitation on Monday, August 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Tobias Funeral Home – Beavercreek Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the funeral home beginning at 11AM with Fr. Mike Holloran as the celebrant. A celebration of Beth’s life will follow at the Presidential Banquet Center, located at 4572 Presidential Way, Dayton, OH 45429, beginning at 12:30 PM on August 12.

In honor of Beth’s lifelong love of children and giving spirit, (in lieu of flowers), memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, a cause close to her heart.

“Some people make the world more special just by being in it.”