Lisbeth "Beth" Blair Lurey, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Nov. 14 in Merriam, Kansas.
Born on July 19, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, Beth was the daughter of the late Ethel Hellman Lurey and Harvey Lurey.
Beth embarked on a journey through life filled with love, laughter and a deep passion for art. She studied art history at Drake University, cultivating a lifelong appreciation for creativity and expression.
In the picturesque setting of Malibu, California, Beth exchanged vows with Mark Titus on Oct. 25, 1983. Their union thrived for more than four decades, recently celebrating a remarkable 40 years of marriage. Beth's devotion to her family was evident in her roles as a dedicated wife, a nurturing mother to Charles “Chas” Titus (Miranda Gibbs) and Missy Titus Pulliam (Reece Pulliam), and a proud grandmother to Ryder and Collins "Coco."
Beth's family was the center of her world, and her love extended to her siblings, Michael Lurey (Laurie Hasencamp) and Nadya Lurey. She also cherished her sister-in-law, Jean Titus Kiene, and her nieces and nephews, Jeremy Lurey (Monica Garcia Lurey), Jennifer Lurey Kovacs (Greg Kovacs), Lisa Kiene (John Lane) and Hotchy Kiene (Amanda Sahli).
Beth's roots stretched from Mather High School in Chicago to the halls of Drake University. Her journey led her to Des Moines, Iowa, before settling in Kansas City in 1974. Beth is deeply rooted in the Kansas City art scene. She had a long career at the Nelson-Atkins Museum as a curator of prints. Her work with not-for-profits on a project basis include Mid-America Arts Alliance, UMKC Gallery of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. In the late 1990s, she took on creating the art collection for the Stowers Institute of Medical Research.
Beth will be remembered for her creative spirit, her love for the arts and the joy she brought to those around her. Her legacy lives on in the memories shared by family and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Beth's life will be held on Friday, Nov. 17, 1 p.m. at Louis Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Print Society of Greater Kansas City, the Kansas City Artist Coalition or AbilityKC.
