Beth (Hopfe, Slocum) Meyer, 79, of Austin, formerly of Owatonna and Bloomington, passed away at her home on Thursday, July 29, 2010.

She was born Dec. 21, 1930, in Austin to Albert and Mabel (Fisher) Hopfe. Beth graduated from Austin High School in 1949, attended Austin Junior College and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota. She entered practice as a clinical social worker at the Wilder Child Guidance Center, St. Paul, Minn. She was highly valued for her compassionate work with clients suffering from abuse, social disadvantage, fears, family conflict, grief and loss. Beth is remembered by her colleagues for her stellar accomplishments in therapy and supervision and for the profound impact she had on developing their hearts and minds.

For relaxation, Beth loved working in her garden and her flowers were a showcase which she shared with friends and co-workers. She was an excellent cook and she enjoyed entertaining. Reading, especially English murder mysteries, was another passion, and she was known to take bags of books to work to give to others. She loved the theater and enjoyed going to concerts.

Beth is survived by her sister, Maydene McDonald, of Austin; special niece, Susan (Mark) Gould, of Waterville, Minn.; special nephew, Mike Raadt (Bill’s nephew) and several other nieces and nephews and dear relatives. Beth’s beloved cat, “Herbie,” also survives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill Slocum; husband, Durwood Meyer, in 2007; half brother, Orville Hopfe; and niece, Barbara Elias.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Scott Meyer officiating. Inurnment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday at the mortuary for one hour before the service. Music will be by Kurt Meyer, Lowell Meyer, and Rev. Scott Meyer.

Memorials are preferred to the Mower County Humane Society, Planned Parenthood, the American Cancer Society, and The Friends of Ngong Road children’s fund.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary in charge of arrangements.