Beth Hoover age 52 of Lima passed away 5:20 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021. She was born Sept. 14, 1968 in Lima to Gary and Shirlee (Ward) Zerkel who survive in Lima. In 1992 she married Stephen Hoover who survives in Lima.
Beth graduated from Bath High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and played 3 instruments in the band. She went on to play in the band at Ohio Northern University where she received her bachelor’s degree. Beth furthered her education at the University of Findlay getting 2 master’s degrees, in environmental management and business administration. She had worked for Charles River Laboratories for 28 years. Beth enjoyed traveling and had been to all 50 states and 32 countries, mostly in Europe. She was a huge fan of Bret Michaels, on a first name basis after so many meet and greets and was able to hang out with the band. Beth was totally devoted to her fur babies: Pinky, Toady, Halves, Smokey and Baby Weenie.
Additional survivors include a brother Stephen (Misty) Zerkel, a niece Lacey Zerkel both of McPherson, Kansas, aunts and uncles: Alice Ward, Sharon Taulbee, Col. Michael Ball, Martha Zerkel, Mary Lou Neff and Delores (Darwin) Duff, in-laws Richard and Alice Hoover of Coshocton, and brother-in-law Tim (Tracey) Hoover of Plainfield, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by aunt and uncles: Donnie Ball, Doug Ward, Andrew Taulbee, Richard Zerkel and Jimmy Neff.
The family will receive friends Monday, March 1 from noon til 2:00 p.m. at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. The funeral will follow at 2 with burial in St. Matthew Cemetery near Cridersville.
Memorial contributions may be given to James Cancer Hospital for research.
