BETH TOWELL
July 9, 1939 – April 29, 2026

Elizabeth Gibson Grey, lovingly known as Beth, was born on July 9, 1939, in Washington, D.C., to Dr. Charles Grey, D.V.M., and Elizabeth Sherman Jones. She was raised in the Quaker faith, which deeply resonated with her, while her lifelong spiritual journey led her to explore many other traditions and practices.

Beth graduated from Howard High School in Maryland with a focus in agriculture. From an early age, she worked alongside her mother and sister, Peggy, raising, breaking, and training thoroughbred cross horses. Their horses became highly sought after throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, especially among the horse show and fox hunting communities.

She later worked with the Howard County Hunt Club, caring for foxhounds and exercising horses, and spent time assisting a sheep shearing operator. Beth had a natural gift for working with animals, a talent inherited from her mother. She could often be found surrounded by a lively assortment of animals—horses, sheep, goats, chickens, geese, donkeys, and even the occasional wild creature.

In 1963, Beth married Arnold C. Towell, and together they had two sons, Timothy Towell of Bend, Oregon, and Rodney Towell of Huson, Montana. After their divorce, Beth moved to Snowmass, Colorado, where she worked at Abacus Ranch Thoroughbred Farm, foaling mares and training racehorses.

While there, she met David Grimes, her partner and kindred spirit for more than 45 years. In 1979, the two relocated to Ashton, Idaho, to begin a new chapter together. Beth worked a variety of jobs in the area, including positions in potato warehouses and later at Fremont Veterinary Clinic in St. Anthony, where she worked for over seven years. She also trained in artificial insemination in Blackfoot, Idaho, and worked for the Forest Service in tree planting, timber management, and as a Youth Conservation Corps leader.

Beth had a deep interest in healing arts. Alongside her sister Peggy, she studied and became certified in Reiki, hypnotherapy, and numerology. She shared her gifts with others through numerology readings, herbal blends, and flower essences, eventually founding her small business, Beth's Delightz.

Her creativity and community spirit shone in many ways. Inspired by her son Tim and his dog, she founded the local Mutt Races, which helped revive the American Dog Derby. She served on the Dog Derby Committee, the Ambassadors Cup Board, and the local Library Board.

Beth maintained her beloved flock of sheep and chickens for many years. She cherished connecting with others and was known for her warm smile, generosity, and genuine interest in people.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Peter Grey of Conifer, Colorado. She is survived by her sister, Peggy Owens of Marshall, Virginia; her brother, Robert Grey of Concord, North Carolina; her partner, David Grimes; her sons, Timothy Towell and Rodney Towell; and her daughters-in-law, Todd Towell and Kate Towell.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Ashton Living Center for their compassion and care, and for bringing comfort and ease to her final days.

Beth was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.