Elizabeth "Beth" Kay (Seidel) Beardsley

Houghton --- Elizabeth “Beth” Kay Seidel Beardsley of Houghton passed away peacefully on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Teresa House in Geneseo, secure in the knowledge of God’s love. Beth’s steadfast faith touched everyone she met, and her kindness and warm smile will be remembered always. Born on September 24, 1946, a daughter of the late Josephine Kline and George Seidel. She married Willis Beardsley in 1971 in Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Reading, PA.

Beth graduated from Muhlenberg High School in 1964, where she loved singing in the choir. She earned a BA in Biblical and Christian Education from Columbia International University in 1968, and later a second BA in Education from Houghton University. After taking time to raise her children, she returned to graduate school and earned her master’s degree in education from SUNY Geneseo.

Beth began her career teaching 2nd grade at Harrisburg Christian School and then at Fillmore Central School. During her three children’s early years, she embraced being a stay-at-home mom. She organized playgroups, taught Sunday school, led the Houghton chapter of Pioneer Girls, and created a home that was a welcoming sanctuary. After earning her master’s degree, she supervised student teachers at Houghton University and worked as a substitute teacher before returning full-time to the classroom in 1993. For over a decade, she was a beloved kindergarten teacher at Fillmore Central School. Known for weaving music and creativity into her lessons, Beth often said that working with and learning from children brought her the greatest joy in life.

Beth’s faith and love for her community were most clearly expressed through her actions. At Houghton Wesleyan Church, she served on many committees, led a women’s Bible study, and shared her deep knowledge of Christian education. She remained active into retirement, volunteering at Powerhouse Youth Center and Fillmore Central School. She found deep fulfillment serving on the board of Wellspring Ministries, where she formed meaningful friendships while meeting the needs of people from Allegany County. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, never missing a birthday, holiday, or the chance to spread encouragement.

Beth is survived by her three children: Joel (Bridget) Beardsley, Julia (Michael) O’Brien, and Jonathan Beardsley; six grandchildren: Madeline and Carson Beardsley, Liam and Ioan O’Brien, and Davida and Ayowole Beardsley; her sister, Suzanne (Glenn) Ruoss; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Willis Beardsley, and her brothers, Barry and Stephen Seidel.

A private gathering will be held at Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore. A private interment service will be held in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton. A public memorial service will be held at a later date, with details announced through Houghton Wesleyan Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make donations to Houghton Wesleyan Church https://hwchurch.org/giving/, Wellspring Ministries in Belfast, NY, and Teresa House, https://teresahouse.org/donation/.