Elizabeth K. “Beth” Hanson, age 62, of Dubuque, passed away at 9:45 p.m., on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Dubuque Specialty Care.  To honor Beth’s life, private family services were held at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Beth was born on May 24, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Oliver and Rae (Bisdorf) Merz.

Beth attended school at Dubuque Senior High School.  She was married to Michael Hanson and they had a son together before deciding to go their separate ways.  Later she met Michael Ashby.  Beth was employed and Pickle Barrel, the Kennedy Mall and lastly with Kwik Stop as an Assistant Manager until health issues forced her into early retirement.  In her free time, she liked fishing, reading, coloring and listening to music.  Beth had a big heart and was “mom” not only to her own son but to several others.  She loved spending time with family and especially enjoyed time spent with her grandkids.  The holidays were her favorite time of the year and she and the kids spent countless hours in the kitchen cooking and baking treats getting ready.  Beth will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish Beth’s memory include

her son,
Chris (Haley) Merz, Dubuque, IA;

her grandchildren,
Wyatt, Ruth and Levi Brenner and Jadeyn;

her siblings,
Doris (Don) Capaul, Epworth, IA,
Pat Root, Dubuque, IA,
John (Sandy) Merz, Buffalo, MN
and Greg Merz, Anamosa, IA;

and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Cody Merz; and a sister, Sherry Merz.

Beth’s family would like to thank Dr. Cao, the staff of Care Initiatives Hospice and her Kwik Stop family for all of their care and support.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com