Elizabeth "Beth" Louise Cornwell

Elizabeth “Beth” Louise Cornwell, born August 18, 1929, to Ernest Griffin and Catherine (nee Tassier) Griffin in Royal Oak, Mich., Beth grew up in Cedarville before moving to Midland, where she met and later married Rudolph “Rudy” Wegner on October 11, 1947. Prior to her marriage, Beth was a nurse’s aide at Midland Hospital. The couple lived in Kansas, Colorado and California before retiring to Hessel. During their years together, they shared a love of horses, camping, fishing and of the West. Rudy predeceased her in October 1992.

Beth later met Vern Cornwell of Rudyard, who transformed her life from one of loneliness and grief to one of new love with a welcoming second family. They married on July 6, 1996. The couple Lived north of Pickford until 2014, when they moved to Sanford, Mich. Vern predeceased her in March 2019.

Beth is survived by her daughter, Suzanne (nee Wegner) Ramos; son-in-law, Joe Ramos and Joe’s children from a former marriage: Joe (Tania) Ramos III, Regina (Charles) Duncan and Margarita (James) Taylor; and by four stepsons and their families from her marriage to Vern Cornwell: Gary (Patti) Cornwell, Gene (Caroline) Cornwell, Greg (Gail) Cornwell, Glen (Jodi) Cornwell; and stepdaughter-in-law Sue Cornwell.

In addition to her parents, stepfather Raymond Feneley, and husbands Rudy and Vern, Beth is predeceased by a stepson, Giles Cornwell; her “sister” cousin, Martha Griffin and a special friend, Jan Nye.

Beth loved researching her French heritage, painting, photography, antique cars and pets of every kind. Her favorite color was red. Her favorite flowers were purple iris and red roses. She enjoyed feeding and watching the birds and sitting quietly in the woods, listening to the sounds of nature. It was there that she felt closest to God. She had many treasured animal friends over the years, including Miss Nelly, a Yorkshire terrier, who was her devoted companion to the end. Beth also helped her daughter raise 17 puppies for Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Beth’s memory may wish to consider Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 S. Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills, Mich. 48307-3115. www.leaderdog.org.

Beth’s ashes will be buried in Edgewood Cedar Cemetery in Cedarville, Mich., later this summer, followed by an informal celebration of life with family and friends. The family is being cared for by Wilson Miller Funeral Home.