Elizabeth “Beth” H. Luessen

Elizabeth Ann Harrington Luessen, 75, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

Born May 9, 1950, in Ravenna, Ohio, Beth grew up in nearby Kent with her parents, William and Mary Harrington (née Tierney), and her older sister, Pat. She spent her childhood reading Nancy Drew mysteries, playing with Barbie and Ken dolls, and making memories with friends in the neighborhood. She attended St. Patrick Elementary School, Davey Junior High, and Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1968. Beth went on to attend Kent State University, where she worked at the DuBois Bookstore and experienced the cultural shift of the 1960s firsthand. She traveled across New York State in a Volkswagen to attend the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969 and was present on campus during the tragic events of May 4, 1970.

In 1972, Beth moved to Mt. Adams in Cincinnati and began her career in education, first working as a tutor before becoming a full-time first-grade and special education teacher in Newport, Kentucky. Over the years, she earned her Master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati, became a certified school media specialist, and served as a librarian in the Boone County School District. She later pursued a Master’s in Library and Information Science and found her calling as a children’s librarian with the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, where she worked at the Groesbeck, Mariemont, and Anderson branches until her retirement. She was a trailblazer in learning and teaching the computer technology advancements that we all benefit from today. Her calm and thoughtful presence left a lasting impression on early book lovers, students, and staff alike.

Fate introduced Beth to Wayne Luessen over a car battery mishap in Newport, where they were both teaching at the time, which led to a memorable night at Barleycorn’s. Their connection was instant and enduring. What began as occasional after-school conversations blossomed into a lifelong partnership.  They married in 1983 and built a warm, loving home, first in Clifton, then Pleasant Ridge, and eventually Anderson. The couple shared a love for hiking in the Smoky Mountains, relaxing on beach vacations, and taking spontaneous road trips. After a trip to Michigan, Beth discovered she was pregnant with twins! Christopher William and Sara Beth were born on March 4, 1988, at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. The birth of their children was as Beth described it, “the greatest thing ever.”

After retirement, Beth volunteered at the gift shop at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Her love language was gift giving, she was thoughtful, generous, and intentional in every present she picked out. She had a fondness for good food and good company: white chicken chili, pizza nights, brunch with mimosas, and margaritas at El Coyote. She loved music, especially James Taylor (whom she recently saw live at Red Rocks), Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, The Beatles, and Jackson Browne.  She enjoyed quilting, working on puzzles, reading books, and spending time at her beloved condo the Moonspinner in Panama City Beach, Florida as well as Key West, especially for Sara’s wedding and her and Wayne’s 40th anniversary celebration. She was also a devoted Bengals, Bearcats and Reds fan and shared a deep bond with her dogs, Lucy and Jackson.

As a mother, Beth was endlessly supportive, whether being Sara’s biggest cheerleader for dance, softball and crosscountry or encouraging Chris to pursue art and photography. Beth was also a devoted and steady partner to Wayne, a true rock throughout 41 years of marriage. Her independence, quiet strength, and unwavering belief in their bond gave their family a deep foundation of love and trust. But most of all, she found joy in her role as Grandma, caring for her grandchildren, Hadley Donovan, Juniper Luessen, and Cooper Donovan with warmth, patience, and endless love. She read stories, planned arts and crafts, went on adventures, and created custom baby quilts stitched with love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Harrington.

Beth is survived by her beloved husband, Wayne Luessen; her children, Chris (Alli) Luessen and Sara (Connor) Donovan; her sister, Pat Harrington; and her cherished grandchildren: Hadley, Juniper, and Cooper. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, generous spirit, and will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life will be held with the family privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center or P.O Box 5202 Cincinnati, OH 45202 or Ohio Valley Voices 6642 Branch Hill-Guinea Pike Loveland, OH 45140.

To share a memory of Beth or leave an online condolence, please visit www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com.