Beth Ann Thompson

Beth Ann Thompson was born in Findlay, Ohio on December 8, 1941, to Curvin D. and Mildred E. (Crist) Arras. Beth spent the early part of her life in Findlay with her parents and older brother Joseph C. Arras, including memorable time on the Reinking family farm with her Aunt Phyllis, Uncle Bud and cousins Susan, Sarah, John and Tish.

After graduating from high school in 1959, Beth attended Huron Road Hospital School of Nursing at Fenn College to become a nurse and follow in her mom’s footsteps. Beth had a great desire to see the world and joined the Air Force shortly after becoming a nurse.

After leaving the Air Force, Beth settled in Sacramento, CA and continued her caregiving as a nurse for Sutter Memorial Hospital. It was in Sacramento that Beth met the constant presence in her life, George Verras. Those that know Beth and George will know that they were always together, even when states apart.

Beth relocated from Sacramento to Tucson in the 1990’s to be close to family and remained there for the rest of her life. She also went to work as a nurse for the Arizona Department of Corrections. It was during her time in Tucson that Beth’s outgoing personality and big heart endeared her to her new community. Arriving in the area on her own, she was immediately embraced by a circle of loving friends and neighbors that continue to be her dearest and most wonderful friends. She was also active within the St Mark’s UMC community and involved in various groups like the Prayer Shawl Ministry. It is just like Beth to turn the crafts she so enjoyed into a method for helping and supporting others. In addition to knitting and crocheting, Beth also enjoyed needle point, and her house showcases her talented handmade treasures in every room.

Also, while in Tucson, Beth’s love of the outdoors and animals truly blossomed. The meaningful, keepsake photographs throughout Beth’s life are not of her, family, or friends, but of Callie the cat and Beau the dog, and the menagerie of other cats and dogs that have been fortunate enough to live with Beth over the years.

Beth passed away March 16, 2026, in Tucson after a brief illness. She is survived by her brother Joe and Marge Arras, nephew Chris and Suzi Arras, niece Tracy and Bret Swenson and great nephews Josh, Jake, and Caden, and great nieces Emma and Caitlin.

She shared all the facets of her wonderful personality with everyone lucky enough to know her. Beth was always warm, generous, kind, funny, and encouraging; and we are all better for having been loved by her.

The family would like to especially thank the medical team at the VA Medical Center, Tucson and those dearest of friends who lovingly cared for Beth.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at St. Mark’s UMC. The family is requesting that memorials be given in Beth’s name to the Tucson VA Medical Center, St. Mark’s UMC, or the Pima Animal Care Center.