Beth Westerhouse

Beth Bjork Westerhouse passed away on Friday, September 14, 2018 from pancreatic cancer at the Homestead Hospice House of Owatonna at the age of 64.

Beth was born September 1, 1954 to Robert & Ruth (Haker) Bjork in Faribault, Minnesota. She was the second of four sisters: Ann (A), Beth (B), Carol (C), and Deanna (D). She was proud to say she was educated in the Faribault public school system. Beth graduated from Mankato State University with a master's degree and principal's license. She worked in education for 38 years teaching special education at the Wilson Center in Faribault, MN as well as in Winchester, VA, and Cannon Falls, MN. She went on to be the principal of Washington, Garfield, and Roosevelt elementary schools in Faribault, MN. After retiring from administration, she returned to teaching special education in Burnsville, MN and ended her career at Hidden Valley Elementary in Savage, MN. Known to her students as "Ms. House," she positively impacted the lives of thousands of students as well as her staff and colleagues.

Beth could make anything with her hands and was famous for turning nothing into something fabulous. Her friends and family called her the "Crafty Maven." She put her skills to good use, selling her handmade wares at the The Crafty Maven business which she opened in downtown Faribault with her sister Dee. She was colorful and loved life, her beloved Scott, gardening, rides in the Cobra, travel, and the Lord. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Beth is survived by her husband Scott Westerhouse, mother Ruth Bjork, sister Ann Vohs (Karl Vohs), niece Amelia Vohs (Tony West), sister Carol Bjork, nephew Eddie Redding (Mari Saito), niece Mary Redding, sister Dee Bjork (Jon Stenson), Beths's chosen child Ray Carter (Emily Immenschuh), Dee's chosen child Deanna Michelle Lopez, brothers-in-law Dan and Paul Westerhouse, Godmother to Amelia Vohs & Greta Staiger Beller, aunts, uncle, cousins, an abundance of faithful friends, and Simba the cat.

She was preceded in death by her father Robert Bjork, mother-in-law Fern Westerhouse, father-in-law Bob Westerhouse, brother-in-law John Westerhouse, and godfathers John and Paul Haker.

A celebration of Beth's life is being planned for Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour in Faribault, MN.

Please no flowers. Beth requested any memorials be sent to The Faribault Foundation (530 Wilson Avenue, Faribault, MN 55021) which sponsors several organizations benefiting children that were dear to Beth's heart.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Beth's caregivers, Carmen the nurse and the loving staff at the Homestead Hospice House.