Annabeth “Beth” L. Propst, 76, of Rockford, passed away on August 14, 2026. She was born on June 7, 1950, the daughter of Howard and Lee Ann (Ladny) Propst. She graduated from Lyons Township High School, in La Grange, class of 1968. She attended Northern Illinois University and was the first graduate to earn a master’s degree in applied statistics. She was a longstanding member of the ASQ. Beth and her beloved life partner Tim ran two businesses, Fuller & Propst Associates and Erehwon Farm; explored the world’s history on their travels; and raised their adored dog, Bucky. In 2024, she retired from Illinois Tool Works, in Elgin, as a quality control engineer. She loved all things nature — bird watching, gardening, hiking — and immersed herself in an endless library of mystery and fantasy novels, as well as puzzles of every kind. She also cherished baking, sewing, crafts with her grand- and great-grandchildren, being a cat mom to Pixie and Lily, and hosting family holidays, especially Fruitcake Day.

She is survived by her daughter, Heidi (Rafael) Chavez; grandchildren, Lexi Compton and Catalina Chavez (Pablo Baez); great grandchildren, Elena, Julian, and Luca; siblings, Marianne Carlson, Adrianne (Robert Sokoloski) Roggenbuck and Richard Propst; partner, Tim Fuller; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her son, Raymond Compton; and parents.

A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. with a time of sharing at 5:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Audubon Society.