Published: July 21, 2009 01:38 pm      

A life gone too soon

With harp cords strumming softly in the background, colleagues, friends and family made their way into the memorial service for the late Beth Stayer at Clarian North Medical Center on Wednesday night, July 15.

Stayer, 34, who worked in the postpartum unit at Clarian since its opening 3-1/2 years ago, was remembered as a loving mother and a caring nurse by her former co-workers.

“Beth was a wonderful nurse with a kind heart and a generous smile,” Laurie Helms, an RN and manager of the postpartum unit, said. “Her patients loved her. She was the sweetest person. She gushed over her children.”

Stayer’s two children attended the service.

Kathy Mathena, a chief nurse executive at Clarian, read from two letters sent by mothers who had been in the postpartum unit under Stayer’s care.

“When she took care of me, it was as if an angel was watching over me,” one letter said.

Helms said that the postpartum unit bought a rocking chair that will be in the unit with a plaque on the back saying, “We’ll always miss your smile.”

Stayer’s smile was mentioned often during the service, a defining characteristic of a much loved person.

Sherri Holland, a postpartum unit technician, sang a rendition of the late Michael Jackson’s song, “Gone Too Soon,” as family and friends lit candles in front of a photo of the woman with a memorable smile.

Memorial fund created

According to Joy Smith, marketing and public relations coordinator for Clarian North, the hospital has created a memorial fund to assist Beth Stayer's children. If interested in making a donation to the Beth Stayer Memorial Fund, send contributions to Lillian Caruthers, Administrative Assistant, Clarian North Medical Center, 11700 N. Meridian St., Carmel, IN 46032. Make checks payable to the “Beth Stayer Memorial Fund.”

The hospital also has a team participating in the Race Away from Domestic Violence 5K Run/Walk on Aug. 15. “Beth's Babes” are participating in this race as a way to show support for her family and to help raise awareness for other individuals in need of help. Others are invited to participate in this race that is organized by the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Visit www.violenceresource.org/rafdvregis.htm for more information.

Stayer was murdered June 12 in her Anson townhouse, the result of massive head trauma. Her ex-husband, Michael Stayer, is charged with the murder and is awaiting trial.

At the request of Clarian North officials, no photographs were taken or interviews held at the memorial service.