Elizabeth B. “Beth” Splinter, 75, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, at Hawkeye Care Center after a 2-year journey with dementia. Though the disease gradually took pieces of her memory, it never erased the love she carried for her family and the countless friendships she built throughout her life. She will be remembered for her wit, spunky personality, and outgoing spirit.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27th, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Secora officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa, is assisting the family.

Beth was born on March 28, 1951, in Dubuque, daughter of Don & Maryel (Sproule) Birkett.

Beth married Ken Splinter in 1978, stepping into the role of mother to six children, embracing them with dedication and love. Her and Ken affectionately dubbed the home as “Splinter Mountain,” where large family gatherings were a source of great pride and joy. She was a self-proclaimed “neat freak,” taking great care in maintaining a spotless home and teaching her grandchildren the value of hard work.

Beth spent many years working in different professional roles before finishing her career doing what came most naturally to her—bartending at the American Legion Post 6. Behind the bar, she shined. She had a remarkable gift for connecting with people, striking up conversations with anyone who walked through the door.

She is reunited in Heaven with loved ones who went before her, including her parents, her beloved husband Ken Splinter, sons Ralph Splinter, Ted Splinter, and Jim Splinter, her siblings John Birkett, Paul Birkett, Jim Birkett, Rita Birkett, Sarah O’Tool, and Ann Birkett in infancy.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Renee (Mike) Meyer, Tom (Janice) Splinter, John (Mary Jo) Splinter, daughters-in-law Linda (John) Ginter and Vicki Splinter; her siblings, Mary Jo Graham, Ruth Frantzen, Tom (Thalia) Birkett, Kay (John) Peters, sister-in-laws Rose Birkett and Eileen Birkett, grandchildren Joe (Jen) Pins, Kristin (Kevin) Dietzel, Weston (Ellen) Pins, Rob (Erica) Splinter, Tasha (Kyle) Lippold, Trisha (Erik) Mueller, Adam (Kelli) Splinter, Mathias Ginter, Nicole Henry, Averi (Kyle) Hoen, Haley (Tim) Meschke, Allie (Jeff) White, Matt (Tiffany) Splinter, Mandy (Eric) Meyer, Jadie Splinter, and “the caboose,” Marissa (Devan) Martin, as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Crista Weber, ARNP, and Dr. Jason Keppler at Medical Associates, and to the compassionate caregivers at Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque, for the kindness, patience, and dignity they showed Beth every step of the way.

In lieu of flowers, an Elizabeth “Beth” Splinter memorial fund has been established in her honor.

In true Beth fashion, may we honor her by telling a good story, sharing a laugh, and never passing up a chance to visit a little longer.