McDANIEL, Beth Marie (Kling) - b. May 20, 1955 - d. December 2, 2025

[patyrn]

Beth Marie McDaniel, age 70, passed away peacefully at her home in Ogden, Utah after a courageous 22-month battle with Melanoma.  She was born May 20, 1955 in Winfield, Kansas, the second child of Loren and Elizabeth (Weyrauch) Kling.

Beth grew up in Howard, Kansas during her childhood.  She attended Howard Grade School until August 1968 when her family moved to Lenexa, Kansas.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Howard, Kansas, the First United Methodist Church of Ogden, Utah, the Howard Go-Getters 4-H Club, and the American Legion Junior Auxiliary.  Beth graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 1973.  After graduation, she took summer classes at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas and then attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas. 

Beth married her high school sweetheart, Dennis "Mac" McDaniel, on October 20, 1974 in Lenexa, Kansas.  They made their first home in Jacksonville, Arkansas as Beth became an Air Force wife with dreams of seeing the world.  She worked at David Furniture Company in North Little Rock, Arkansas until 1978 when Mac received an assignment to Hill AFB, Utah.  She then worked at Meridian Publishing, Ogden, Utah, starting in Sales Order Entry.  She was promoted to Managing Editor after authoring several published articles.  In June 1992, she worked for the Human Services Aging Department as the Office Manager of the Men's and Women's Program.  She enjoyed working with people and seniors. Upon retiring in 2021, Beth joined the Weber County Organization for the Elderly (WCOFE) as Secretary Treasurer.  Beth was the backbone of the organization, and filling her roles will be exceedingly difficult.

Beth's favorite pastime was birding.  She loved her birds, spending time bird watching in her backyard, and her favorite spot to observe thousands of different kinds of birds was at sunrise and sundown at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.  She loved sharing her knowledge and beautiful photographs, especially of the Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, and Western Grebe.  Any bird at Bird River brought her joy, and she especially loved watching hummingbirds in her own yard with feeders everywhere she could place them.  Hearing the birds sing brought her peace.  Over the years, Beth delighted in seeing George, a Western Screech Owl, visit their Weeping Willow tree.  She even took her senior citizens on bus tours to share her knowledge. 

Beth had many passions.  She loved reading, cooking, especially her pecan pies, and tending to her flowers.  She enjoyed traveling across the country, visiting the coast, the Rockies, the Smoky Blue Mountains, and the Appalachian Mountains as well as exploring historical landmarks.  Mac and Beth loved traveling throughout the United States, often using their timeshare to see diverse and beautiful placed from coast to coast.

Beth's generous spirit, kindness, and infectious laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and appreciation for life's simple, beautiful moments.  Her presence was a gift, and she will forever remain in our hearts.  Rest in peace, Beth.  Your love and courage will continue to inspire us, and we will carry your memory always.

Beth is survived by her husband of 51 years, Mac McDaniel; her two sons, Nathan and Andrew; her mother, Elizabeth Kling; her sister, Sandra (Mark) Keast; brothers, David (Cindy) Kling and Delven (Jackie) Kling; her brother-in-law, Rob McDaniel; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will forever cherish their memories of her nurturing spirt and gentle soul.  She was a beloved aunt who took great joy in her family's milestones and celebrations.  She was preceded in death in 1990 by her father, Loren Kling, whom she loved dearly.  In 1990, Beth and Mac suffered the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Heather, during childbirth.

A Celebration of Life will be held, allowing family and friends to gather and reflect on the joy she brought to the world.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Melanoma Research Alliance in her memory.  We thank all those who cared for her including the members and staff at McKay-Dee Hospital, Northern Utah Rehabilitation Hospital, Mount Ogden Rehabilitation, Road to Independence, and Renew Hospice.   Services will be held on December 20, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church, 1339 W. 400 North, Marriott-Slaterville, Utah 84404.  Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, 9138 Caenen Lake Road, Lenexa, Kansas 66215, date pending for January 2026.  Burial will take place in Grace Lawn Cemetery, Howard, Kansas at a later date to be announced. 

(taken from the Utah Simple Cremations website)