Beth I. Wadsworth (Townsend), 54, of Indianapolis, IN passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 11, 2023. Beth was born July 6, 1969 to Larry and Betty Townsend in Danville, IL. Beth grew up in West Lebanon, IN where she lived until graduating from Seegar High School in 1987. After high school, Beth moved to Muncie, IN and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing from Ball State University in 1991.

After graduation, Beth went to work at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis as a Registered Nurse. Beth worked at St. Vincent faithfully until her passing, giving nearly 32 years to a nursing career she loved. She served in many areas of the hospital including Recovery, Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care, Maternity and Endoscopy. The primary role of a nurse is caregiver, and Beth exemplified this. Every person she touched as either a colleague or patient got the very best from Beth. As one coworker once said, Beth most certainly showed everyone she met how much she cared. We all are better nurses and caregivers for what she's taught us.

In 1989, Beth met David Wadsworth when they were both working for the summer on Mackinac Island, MI. Beth finally gave in to David's pursuits; they married in May, 1992 and they remained faithfully together ever since. Beth and David have three wonderful children: Kira, Emma and Andy. Beth dedicated her life to being an exceptional wife and mom. She was a fierce and loving supporter of her family in all their pursuits, passions, trials and tribulations. She modeled love, kindness, hospitality, humility, compassion, hard work and passed that on to her family.

Beth's other passions were crocheting, flower gardening and her favorite; bird watching. Beth started birding in 2020 during the pandemic and in just a few short years had recorded observing over 330 distinct species. Her passion for birds took her many places, but her favorite was her own backyard where she created a sanctuary for nature. Many a day you could find Beth sitting on her swing, crocheting with binoculars in reach waiting for the next bird to show itself.

Beth loved Jesus and she loved people. In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to love the LORD. The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'. In the song Love God Love People the artist sings "Gotta keep it real simple… Bring everything right back to ground zero; 'Cause it all comes down to this; Love God and love people; We're living in a world that keeps breakin'; But if we wanna find the way to change it; It all comes down to this; Love God and love people". It's that simple and Beth knew that. In all she did Beth showed the love of Jesus to others.

Beth joins her dad, Larry in Heaven. She is survived by many loving family members, including her husband, David; children, Kira, Emma and Andy; mother, Betty; siblings Nancy, Jim and Lisa; nieces, nephews and cousins. Words fail to express how loving, kind, compassionate and beautiful a person she was on the inside and out. An exceptional woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. Those that she touched were better for it. Her presence and counsel will be sorely missed by so many.

One of Beth's favorite songs was Defying Gravity from the musical Wicked. In the song the artist sings: "I'm through accepting limits 'Cause someone says they're so. Some things I cannot change. But till I try, I'll never know". Rather than mourn, Beth would want us to push forward, not accepting limits. She would ask that we focus on the good, show kindness to others, laugh, love, stop and smell the flowers, watch and listen to the birds. She would remind us that things will be alright. She is always here with us in each bird we see and song they sing.

A visitation and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 29. Visitation will be from 10am – Noon with Celebration to follow at Matthews Mortuary in Brownsburg, 690 E 56th St, Brownsburg, IN 46112. Per Beth's request, please don't wear black. She would want us to wear bright, cheerful colors. Instead of sending flowers Beth would want you to plant something that helps the butterflies and birds and to find joy in the simple things.