Beth E. Hoch, 54, Joplin, Mo., died Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Seneca Home Place in Seneca, Mo.
Born October 15, 1971, in Joplin, Mo., Beth was the daughter of Ellen Bardmass and Bill Lee.
Beth was a lifelong resident of the greater Joplin, Mo. area. She attended grade school and junior high in Webb City, Mo., before transferring to Galena to attend and complete High School. As a child Beth was active in softball and volleyball. As an adult she was a lively, charismatic and energetic woman. She never met a stranger. It’s been said that she didn’t need anyone on the other end of the phone line to hold a conversation. She was an avid reader, often found in her chair with a crime novel.
She was preceded in death by her mother Ellen Wilkinson; her mother-in-law Nola Hoch; brother-in-law Jeff Hoch and husband Kevin Hoch.
Survivors include her father Bill Lee (Ruth); step-father David Wilkinson (Cindy); Her four children, Kirstin Kesinger (Brandon), Jarred Burkybile, Seth Hoch and Andrew Hoch; five grandchildren Gabriel Hoch, Maxon Hill, Braxton Kesinger, Aspyn Burkybile and Elizabeth Burkybile; her brothers Billy Lee (Sandy), Caleb Lee (Amanda), Michael Dodd (Jamie) and Curtis Dodd; brother-in-law Jason Hoch (Melissa); as well as numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life Dinner at the Global Methodist Church in Cherokee June 27 at 2 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to come and share stories, photos, memories, and food.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, Mo.