Elizabeth “Beth” Shockey-Woll, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, nurse and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in River Falls, Wis., on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 75.
Beth was born June 14, 1951, in Urbana, Ohio, to Corinne Elizabeth and James Joseph “Joe” Shockey. She grew up in a close-knit family whose example shaped the person she would become. She adored her parents, remained deeply connected to her siblings throughout her life and considered those relationships among life’s greatest gifts.
Beth spent her childhood in Urbana, Ohio, before her family moved to Dayton in 1963. In 1965, they settled in Stevens Point, Wis., where she graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1969. Continuing her education, Beth attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 1977. It was there that she met Daniel “Dan” Woll, her future husband and lifelong partner.
Dan and Beth were married May 24, 1980, beginning 46 years of unwavering partnership. Together they built a home where laughter came easily, encouragement was constant and everyone knew they belonged. Beth was the kind of mother whose daughters never questioned that they were loved, supported and safe. Becoming Grandma was one of her life’s greatest joys, and nothing made her happier than bringing everyone together to celebrate milestones, create traditions and enjoy the simple gift of being with one another.
For more than 27 years, Beth cared for others as a nurse practitioner, bringing compassion, wisdom and quiet confidence to every patient she served. After the family settled in Hammond, Wis., in 1987, Beth later joined the River Falls Clinic, where she remained until her retirement in 2015. She earned the admiration of colleagues and the gratitude of countless patients whose lives were made better by her compassionate care.
After moving to River Falls in 2005, Beth and Dan enjoyed traveling with friends, visiting loved ones across the country and spending treasured time at their beloved cabin on Pipe Lake, one of Beth’s favorite places. Retirement gave them even more opportunities to explore together and enjoy the people and places they loved most.
Beth felt most at home outdoors. Whether she was biking a quiet country road, hiking a wooded trail, gliding across fresh snow on cross-country skis or lingering on a patio with a glass of wine as live music drifted through the evening air, she found joy in life’s simplest moments. She loved line dancing, delighted in watching birds at the feeder and never lost her appreciation for wildflowers blooming along the roadside. She had a gift for noticing the beauty that others hurried past and believed some of life’s greatest blessings were found in fresh air, meaningful conversation and time spent with the people she loved.
Those who knew Beth will remember far more than her kindness. They will remember the way she made people feel. She welcomed others without judgment, listened with genuine interest and offered encouragement when it was needed most. Her steady presence, gentle spirit and generous heart made people feel safe, valued and cared for. She celebrated ordinary days as though they were gifts and reminded those around her to slow down, look for beauty and cherish the people beside them. She leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves behind a way of living that will continue through the family she nurtured and everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
Beth is survived by her loving husband, Dan Woll, of River Falls, Wis.; her daughters, Jenny (Tim) Lewis of Minneapolis, Minn., Katie (Matt) Kovalcik of Yulee, Fla., and Shelley (Zach Smith) Woll of Fort Collins, Colo.; her cherished grandchildren, Samantha Kovalcik and Wilbur WollSmith; her brothers, Reed (Sue) Shockey of Milwaukee, Wis., Joe (Cheryl) Shockey of Appleton, Wis., and Andrew Shockey of Appleton, Wis.; her sister-in-law, Penny Shockey of Rowlett, Texas; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her younger sister, Rebecca; and her brother, Michael “Mike” Shockey.
A celebration of Beth’s life will be held at noon Aug. 8, 2026, at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services, 805 E. Division St., River Falls, WI. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. The service will also be livestreamed.
The family invites those who wish to honor Beth’s memory to attend the service or simply celebrate her life by spending time with someone you love, extending kindness to others and taking a moment to notice the beauty that surrounds you. We think Beth would have liked that.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Adoray Hospice so they can continue providing compassionate care and support to families throughout western Wisconsin.
Online condolences may be offered through Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
