Elizabeth Bragg
Elizabeth (Beth) Marie Bragg, age 19, formerly of Monticello, Arkansas, died suddenly in a house explosion on Saturday, December 30, 2023. She was a recent graduate of Monticello High School and a freshman at the University of Arkansas. She was in band and 4-H and learning beekeeping. She had considered studying medicine but was too soft-hearted to see blood. She changed her focus to Child Psychology. This fit well with her love of children; Miss Beth will be remembered as the beloved babysitter of several little ones.
Beth’s family was close-knit and busy. Over the years Beth traveled with her parents and brothers all over the country as her dad did his forestry work and the whole family engaged in their passion for archeology. She was the apple of her father’s eye. They worked on digs together, visited historical sites, and made educational trips to state and national parks. The whole family made many friends along the way. Beth was instilled with a work ethic, sense of adventure, and confidence. She added to that a formidable devotion to friends (and cats). Beth was amazing. When her grandma in Wisconsin broke her leg, Beth stayed with her six weeks and handled the caregiver role with maturity beyond her years.
Joined in death by her mother, Hope; father, Don; and brother, Kenny, who all died in the same house explosion, she is preceded in death by her grandmother Ann Pruden. Beth is survived by her brother Stephen; grandfather (Bumpa) Rick Pruden of Whitmore Lake, Michigan; grandparents Don and Rose Bragg of Rhinelander, Wisconsin; aunts Lisa Bragg-Hurlburt of Eau Claire (Jon Hurlburt of Colfax) and Laurie Bragg-Valaskey (Mark Valaskey) of Cross Plains, Wisconsin; uncle Bob Bragg (Nancy Hopkins) of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; uncle John Bragg (Jim Houzner) of Jersey City, New Jersey; and uncle Bill Bragg (Maiko Chu) of Bradenton, Florida; cousins Michael Hurlburt, David Hurlburt (Shyla), Jonathan Hurlburt (Alicia), Emma Hurlburt (Forrest), Leila Hurlburt and Susan Johnston (Jay); and many dear friends.
Funeral arrangements have not been made yet. If desired, friends and family may make memorial contributions to the GoFundMe sites set up for the survivors: (https://gofund.me/d32eff21 and https://gofund.me/a66542b0). The family would like to thank friends and relatives across the country for their condolences and support.