Elizabeth A. "Beth" Elliott

Elizabeth Alice Elliott, 46, died April 27, 2023, while traveling from her home in Harlan, Iowa to visit a friend out of state.

Beth, as most people called her, was born Oct. 14, 1976, and grew up in Omaha, Neb., graduating from Marian High School. She attended Creighton University in Omaha and graduated with degrees in journalism and music, and a master’s in creative writing.

Beth tried several careers and a short engagement as a religious sister with the Servants of Mary, before ultimately following her passion for writing.

She was an intern at the National Catholic Reporter and a freelance writer for America magazine among others before joining the Catholic Herald in Arlington, Va., in 2016.

In 2019, Beth moved back to Nebraska to be closer to her family, where she was the assistant editor at Enterprise Media Group in Blair, Neb., for several publications. In 2022, she took on a new challenge as the editor of Harlan Tribune & News in Harlan, Iowa.

Not only was Beth an award-winning journalist and photographer, she was a published poet. The creativity doesn’t stop there, as Beth was musically talented – playing flute for more than 20 years (for concerts and Mass) and singing in her church choir.

Beth is described by all who knew her as “an adventurer who loved to travel and experience new things.”

Beyond traveling and being a tourist, there was so much Beth enjoyed and loved: being an aunt to her nieces and nephew – family was incredibly important to her; her faith and attending Mass. She had a firm belief in God, and the strength there is in prayer – she often asked for prayer requests for Lent; she was proud of her home state and being a Creighton grad, donning blue and white to watch basketball games.

She loved opening a fresh pack of Crayola crayons; getting a new purse or bag; shopping at Goodwill; bright red lipstick; and having her hair and nails done.

Music was a large part of her life, from classical to country and pop. She enjoyed attending concerts as well as performing – though she couldn’t dance or clap to a beat, which her friends found hilarious and adorable.

Beth adored photographing flowers and gardens; driving her car anywhere; being part of a group – even if she didn’t care about the activity; being spontaneous and trying new things on a whim; the color purple; sunrises and sunsets; reading; attending happy hour; Diet Coke; going to the movies; and being a good friend to any who needed her.

She was shy, often quiet and sometimes anxious, but was stronger than she knew, and incredibly brave – constantly challenging herself to do things that scared her (such as the time she went hiking with friends in the Shenandoah mountains while terrified of bears, but didn’t tell anyone until the hike was over. She just kept clapping her hands softly thinking that would keep the bears away).

As multiple people have posted on her Facebook page since her passing, “Heaven got a new angel in its choir today.” Beth had an admirable spirit, and the hole she has left behind is immeasurable.

She is preceded in death by her mother Kathryn Elliott; survived by her father John (Patricia) Elliott siblings Becky (Mike) McKenzie, Kevin Elliott, Maggie Elliott, Ella Elliott, beloved nieces and nephew, Gianna McKenzie, Katie Elliott, Alexa McKenzie, Sammy Elliott and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins