BethAnn Wright McBride

BethAnn Wright McBride

Washington

After a brief but heroic battle with cancer, BethAnn Wright McBride passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 22, 2023, surrounded by family and loved ones.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 27, 2023, at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Bernie Weir officiating. Calling hours will begin 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at St. James Catholic Church where a Prayer Service will begin at 4:30 p.m. The family will be present to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church. Private family interment will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Memorials have been established for the Beth McBride Scholarship Fund at St. James Catholic School. Online condolences may be sent for the family at www.jonesfh.com.

BethAnn was born on Aug. 3, 1954, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Robert and Enid (Wahe) Wright. She was the youngest and only daughter, and while Beth looked up to her brothers, she also held her own, a trait that she would forever carry with her.

In 1972, Beth graduated from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids. She then attended Northeast Missouri State University (Truman State), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in music education. She later earned her master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Iowa. Her career touched lives in Dows, Central City, Sigourney, Winfield-Mt. Union, St. James in Washington, and Keota.

While teaching Vocal Music in Central City, she met Doug McBride, the love of her life, and on Nov. 23, 1984, Beth and Doug were married. On March 29, 1986, they welcomed their son, Timothy Michael McBride, and shortly thereafter, moved to their home in Washington, Iowa, where they would make countless friends and build an incredible life together.

On Oct. 5, 1990, Beth and Doug completed their family by welcoming their daughter, Rebecca Wright McBride.

Beth enjoyed music in all its facets, participating in community theater, the vocal ensemble Just Us Girls, and composing personalized songs for her beloved grandchildren: Livy Lou, Andy, Harrison, Evy Grace, and Jamesy James.

She loved hosting friends and family and was always ready to greet them on the front porch with a warm hug and a glass of wine.

Beth was always up for an adventure, and after retirement, she and Doug traveled the world together, enjoying trips to places such as Alaska, Ireland, and Scotland.

More than anything, Beth treasured her family. She was an incredible and loving wife, mother, sister, and Mimi. She will forever be missed.

She is survived by her husband, Doug McBride; son, Tim (Erin) McBride of Knoxville, Iowa; daughter, Becca (Sam) Mueller of St. Louis, Mo.; five grandchildren, Andrew, Evelyn and James McBride and Olivia and Harrison Mueller; three brothers, Gary (Joan) Wright of Lake Elmo, Minn., Michael Wright of Cedar Rapids, and Randy (Fatima) Wright of San Diego; and many nieces and nephews. Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Enid; brother, Dennis Wright; sister-in-law, Sara (Michael) Wright; and dear friend and bonus sister, Kris Pierson.