It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share with everyone the news that one of OrthoArizona’s very own, Beth Woods, has passed away. Beth was a Hand Therapist at our South Gilbert site in the Southeast Valley. Although many in this organization may not have known Beth, we wanted to take the time to share with everyone who she was and the impact she made in this world and most importantly, celebrate the life she lived.

Lisa Jordan, a Hand Therapist at the same South Gilbert site as Beth, and a very close friend of Beth’s, graciously wrote the following eulogy:

Beth was an Occupational therapist for over 35 years working in both acute care and hand therapy. She had the gift of active listening. She listened to people to learn and understand their needs. With that gift, her patients were at ease and she gained their trust. Even when a patient came in and was not happy, Beth would always say, “everyone has a story to tell” and she would sit and listen to them.

She left hand therapy in the early 2000’s when her children were younger. This led her to start a school in Gilbert where she not only did the administrative duties as an owner but she also taught her favorite subject, science. In 2013 she decided to reenter the world of hand therapy. I was lucky enough to work with Beth from that point until now. 

Beth enjoyed the outdoors and loved to run, hike, bike and travel. She cherished her time with her family and friends and would frequently have stories of how she would combine the two and go on great adventures together.

Beth is survived by her 2 sons, a daughter and 5 grandchildren. Not to mention all the patients she helped regain their independence and the many other lives she touched. She was full of life and will be deeply missed.