Beth Mares passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025 with family members at her side.

Beth was born in 1932 at home to her loving parents, Elmer and Helen Nelson, who lived in rural New Auburn, WI. Beth joined five other siblings, which eventually grew to an even dozen. At the age of five, Beth started making the 2-mile trek to attend the rural Ling school. She continued to make this trek for the next 8 years and graduated from New Auburn High School. For extra spending money, during the summers, Beth would pick beans and cucumbers which her dad and other neighboring farmers would grow for the local canning company. Beth especially enjoyed summer time, going to free outdoor movies, hanging out with the many neighbor kids, and going swimming at the Duncan Creek swimming hole. Of course, there were always farm chores to do, such as driving tractor and bailing hay with her dad, Elmer.

After high school, Beth attended nursing school and eventually went to medical technology school in Minneapolis, MN. Her first job was working for a DR in Eau Claire, WI, but it didn’t last long because her love for and marriage to Clarence changed her priorities in life. The newly married couple lived in Bloomer, WI for a few months before purchasing a 120-acre farm in rural New Auburn, WI. They remained on the farm for 28 years raising five sons. Beth wore many hats during those 28 years, but the one she loved the best was being mother to five sons, who eventually would bring her some daughters and grandkids.

In 1980, Beth and Clarence sold the farm to their son, Rick, and relocated to Eau Claire, where Clarence was master plumber. They loved Eau Claire and had many friends, as well as wonderful neighbors. Beth went back to school, received her LPN certificate, and worked at the Mondovi nursing home for a few years.

In 1994, Beth and Clarence retired and relocated to rural Amery, WI. They always loved Amery, as they came through to visit family who lived in Balsam Lake, and decided to make it their home. They thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people, having coffee, playing cards, and spending time with family—especially grandchildren!

Beth left a note! “Life has been full of joys, sometimes tears, much family and many friends. WE thank God for it all!!!!!!”

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Helen Nelson; husband, Clarence; brothers, Sandy and Jack; and sisters, baby Gail, Aryls, Judy and Carolyn. She is survived by her five sons, Butch (Sue) of Sand Creek, WI, Rick (Nancy) of Eau Claire, WI, Randy (Jane) of St. Croix Falls, WI, Tim (Diane) of Balsam Lake, WI, and Pete of Milltown, WI; sisters, Donna, Joann, Dickie and MaryAnn; brother, Jerry; grandchildren, Cara, Nick, Andrew, Sarah, Adam, Dani, Eryn and Devon; step-grandchildren, Tim and Misty; and of course, many wonderful friends.

There will be a visitation on Monday, June 9, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00pm at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, WI. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at The Congregational Church in Amery, WI, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow.

Last Update: Jun 03, 2025 9:24 am CDT