Elizabeth Ann "Beth" Harsh, 83, of Edwardsburg, MI passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka. She was born on April 26, 1941, in Mishawaka to the late Alfred S. and Dorothy (Smith) Wiler.

Beth is survived by her husband of 57 years, John Harsh; sons, John (Wendy) Harsh Jr. and Joseph (Mikaela) Harsh; three grandchildren; and brother-in-law, James P. Harsh of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. A celebration of life service will take place on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation an hour before from 10-11 a.m. During the service, the family will provide an opportunity for additional family and friends to share their memories of Beth. She will be laid to rest at Adamsville Cemetery following the services. Memorial donations may be given to the LaSalle Council of Boy Scouts of America, 1340 S Bend Ave, South Bend, IN 46617.

Beth was a lifelong Michiana native connected to her community as a co-owner of a small family business, parishioner at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, and volunteer in the Edwardsburg schools and – most notably – to the area's Boy Scouts of America organization.

As a committed Scouter for over 40 years, Beth served in many roles to support the area's Scouting programs, where she sought to help grow and develop the organization in benefit of its members. Beth started as a Cub Scout leader and committee member for Pack/Troop 593 (Edwardsburg) before volunteering as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 741 (Elkhart) and then as Scoutmaster for Troop 103 (Elkhart), becoming one of the first females in the country to hold that title. She later served as an Assistant District Director for LaSalle Council working with their core programs (Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Venturing) in the Elkhart and Southern Michigan area for 14 years. She was proud to have watched her sons become Eagle Scouts and later became a mentor to many others looking to attain that rank. Upon her "retirement", Beth helped established a Cub Scout pack 734 for scouts with special needs and disabilities where she was affectionately known as "Grandma Scout".

Beth enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She had a strong love of the outdoors and wildlife, and found beauty in the little things in life such as bird watching and viewing sunsets over the lake.

Beth will be dearly missed by her loving family, her scouting family, and her community.

LaSalle Council of Boy Scouts of America
1340 S Bend Ave, South Bend IN 46617
Tel: 1-574-289-0337
Email: info@lasallecouncilbsa.org
Web: https://www.lasallecouncilbsa.org/