Elizabeth Witter
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Beverly “Bev” Witter, who left this world on June 20, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on October 9, 1946, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Frances M. Capolini and Harold S. Hilderbrand. Bev was a cherished daughter of Frances and her loving husband Lionel Varvel, a loving embodiment of family, faith, and community throughout her life.
On March 16, 1966, Bev married the love of her life, David Witter. Their marriage was marked by love and devotion, spanning an incredible 55 years until David’s passing in 2021. Together, they were a testament to the power of partnership, creating a life filled with laughter, love, and countless cherished memories.
Bev was preceded in death by her beloved husband David, her parents, parents-in-law Rothe and Delia Witter, brothers-in-law Joseph Longstreet and Thomas Balph, niece Rebecca Witter, and nephew Anthony Varvel.
She is survived by her two devoted daughters and their spouses, Debra (Brett) Preach and Diana (Dean) Donaldson, who carry on her legacy of love. Her spirit lives on through her grandchildren: Lindsay Preach, Kristen (Ryan) Jones, Lacey Preach, Stephanie (Bryan) Santy, Kaylie Morgan (Carlos Murillo), and Rachel Morgan. Bev was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Hunter, Holden, and Hayden Jones, and Jack Santy, who were the light of her life. A devoted sister and sister-in-law to Mildred Longstreet, Harold (Jackie) Hilderbrand, Carl (Emma) Hilderbrand, Francis (Lorraine) Varvel, Lionel (Rosalinda) Varvel, James (Jennifer) Witter, Marilyn Balph, Lin (Frank) Stewart, and Jan (Mark) Ross. “Aunt Bev” to countless nieces and nephews demonstrates her commitment to family.
Bev graduated from North High School in 1964. She furthered her education at Phoenix College before moving to Flagstaff, where David was stationed with the Arizona Highway Patrol. Her professional career commenced at Roadrunner Construction as a bookkeeper in Sedona. After relocating to Phoenix, she assumed the role of School Secretary at St. Jerome Catholic School, eventually rising to become the Parish Administrator. Bev dedicated an impressive 33 years to the Diocese of Phoenix, retiring in 2006, where her impact and dedication were felt by many.
An active participant in her community, Bev was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, where she devoted her time to assisting the underserved. Her warmth and compassion extended to the youth, as she mentored and coached young athletes, instructed confirmation classes, and participated in numerous fundraising efforts that uplifted children and adults alike.
In her later years, following the loss of her beloved husband, Bev found solace and purpose in visiting St. Francis Catholic Cemetery daily, honoring David’s memory. She was a beacon of joy, known for her infectious laugh and cheerful disposition. Her friends and family remember her as a woman who truly embodied servant leadership, spending meaningful time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making the world a better place just by being in it.
Faith was the cornerstone of Bev’s life. She spent countless hours reflecting and praying and cherished her daily Rosary and weekly Mass attendance. Her unwavering faith provided her with strength and comfort throughout her life.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Cardiac Unit at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Christopher Barnes and staff at Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital, and the caregiving and medical staff at La Siena Senior Living. Special thanks to her dear friends, Maurita Birnbaum and Karla Johnson, for their steadfast love and support, and to the wonderful team at Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care.
Elizabeth Beverly Witter leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in eternal peace, embraced by the love of her family and the grace of God.
The funeral services for Elizabeth Beverly Witter will begin on Monday, July 7, 2025 with a visitation from 5:00 -7:00 PM and a Rosary at 6:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Chapel, 6830 W. Thunderbird Road in Peoria. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 10815 N. 35th Avenue in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Hospice of the Valley, as a tribute to Bev’s lifelong commitment to helping others.