Elizabeth “Beth” Ann Garritson, 73 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on June 15, 1952, in Gary, Indiana to the late John and Helen (Oresik) Hogg. Ever an avid student, Beth graduated from Horace Mann High School, while simultaneously taking college level math courses on the weekends. She continued her education at Indiana University where she received her bachelor’s degree in business education and made several lifelong friends. She earned her master’s degree in education from Ball State University and stayed in the area to teach business and distributive education at Blackford High School. In Muncie, she met and married her husband of forty-seven years, Michael Garritson. The couple moved back to Northwest Indiana with their two young children, Emily and Stephen. Beth transitioned from teaching to serving as the Director of Children’s Ministries at the First United Methodist Church of Valparaiso where she fostered the spiritual education of the congregation’s youth for fifteen years. In her retirement, Beth continued to devote her life to serving others as a quiet caretaker for her family. Never one to relish the spotlight, Beth’s impacts on the community through her teaching, mentorship, and ministry far surpassed what she ever imagined.
Remembered for her quick wit and dry humor, Beth will be greatly missed by her friends and family. She was a life-long animal lover, fervid reader, and television crime drama enthusiast. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her children and grandchildren, and she planned several memorable family vacations across the country. As she once told her daughter, the party may be over, but Beth’s memory and quippy one-liners will be cherished for years to come.
Beth is survived by her husband, Michael Garritson, along with their children: Emily (Eric Elzen) Garritson of Chicago, IL, and Stephen (Smadar) Garritson of Pasadena, CA; grandchildren: Klara Leia and Guy Garritson, and Oliver and Jude Elzen; brother, Ronald Hogg; sister, Eleanor Snemis; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, John Hogg; and sister, Winifred Hogg.
A celebration of Beth’s life will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church of Valparaiso with a meal to follow at Le Peep. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the First United Methodist Church of Valparaiso, the VNA Hospice, or any charities benefiting animals.
