Beth Whitney Wentz

Beth Wentz, 84, died peacefully at Hospice of Cincinnati, on January 28, 2026. She was a life-long resident of Muncie, Indiana, until moving to assisted living in Cincinnati in 2023 after a stroke. Beth was born on May 4, 1941, the daughter of Norman and Susan Scott Whitney. She graduated from Central High School in 1959.

Beth spent her career working at local manufacturing companies, including Durham Manufacturing, Excel Manufacturing, and, for more than 20 years, Indiana Steel and Wire. She also worked at FB Fogg and Bridges Community Services.

Beth found her true joy as an artist. She was an accomplished fiber artist, known for her works with handmade paper, and was also a skilled metalsmith who created unique jewelry. A true artist, she loved learning about and trying her hand at any form of visual arts. She also enjoyed sharing her love for art, whether working with children at Redkey Elementary or leading a workshop with her fellow assisted living residents to create flag pins from Pepsi cans.

Beth belonged to several art groups in the Muncie and Central Indiana area. She exhibited her work at Arts Place, in Portland, the Blackford County Arts Center, Anderson Museum of Art, the Pendleton Art Gallery, and Minnetrista, among others.

Beth is survived by her daughter, Molly (Paul) Kiron of Dallas; daughter-in-law Janice Crago of Cincinnati; grandchildren Audrey (Jake) Romano, Leah Crago and Joe Crago of Cincinnati; Luke (Casady) Kiron, Ben (Anna) Kiron and Jack (Olivia) Kiron of Dallas; great-grandchildren Luca and Nico Romano and Heidi Kiron; brother-in-law Phil Smith of West Lafayette; nieces Amy Krallman of Las Vegas and Allyson Evans of Bloomington, Indiana, and nephew Andrew Smith of Atlanta. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Linda Smith, and her son Kevin, who passed away on Feb. 8, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27 from 12:00 - 2 pm at the Culinary Cottage, 315 S. Monroe St., Muncie (at the corner of Adams and Monroe, with parking on the street or in church lot). Friends and family may share memories beginning around 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Muncie Artists Guild Susie Burns Scholarship, which supports emerging artists in Delaware County high schools.