"An excellent wife, who can find?  For her worth is far more than jewels."  Elizabeth Ann Peterson Eldridge passed to heaven on June 5, 2024 after battling severe physical and mental health issues.

She was born on March 1, 1970 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and at that moment became a fervent and life-long Green Bay Packers fan!  At a young age her family moved to Pueblo, then Denver, Colorado. There she started her love for swimming at the age of four, joining local age group teams.  In high school she set numerous school and state swimming records.

Beth also excelled in academics and after graduation was accepted to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. There she also excelled in academics, leadership, and athletics.  She was a two-time NCAA All American and captain of the Academy Swim Team.  At her graduation in 1992, she was awarded the outstanding cadet squadron commander trophy.

Commissioned a second lieutenant, Beth attended maintenance officer school in Chenault, Illinois and received her first assignment at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. There she served at squadron, group, and wing assignments, additionally, she qualified for Olympic trials (in her spare time). She also met her husband, Bill Eldridge, and they were married on September 4, 1994.

In 1997, Beth separated from the Air Force to support her husband's career.  After over 20 years and 12 moves across the United States, Bill and Beth retired to Rapid City.  There, Beth stayed active in swimming and started a masters swim group at the Rapid City Swim Center and helped form Rapid City's Rushmore Tsunami swim team. As the head coach she inspired hundreds of kids with her passion for swimming.

Beth had a deep love for God, her church, her family, and swimming (and the Packers).

She is survived by her father, Ted Peterson of Denver, Colorado, her brother, Robert Peterson of Denver, Colorado, and her husband, Bill Eldridge of Rapid City, South Dakota.

If you or anyone you know is considering taking their own life, immediately dial 988 or text HOME to 741741.

Celebration of Beth's Life will be at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at Calvary Lutheran Church.

Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Lutheran Social Services in Beth's name.