Beth Marie Haley

Beth M. Haley passed away in Auburndale, Florida on Thursday, July 13, 2023.  Beth was born March 5, 1952 in Cortland, New York to Otis and Wanda Haley.  She grew up in McGraw, New York where she graduated from McGraw Central School.  After graduation Beth attended S.U.N.Y. Cobleskill where she earned her degree in Agriculture.  After relocating to Florida to work in the Agricultural field, Beth began her service to the community by becoming a member of the Polk City volunteer fire department.  Soon Beth realized that firefighting was her true passion and that is where she began her 26-year career as a firefighter for Polk County Fire Department; eventually retiring in 2012 as a Lieutenant Fire Inspector.  Beth also proudly served that department as an original founding member of the Honor Guard. 

 Beth enjoyed many outdoor activities including hiking in the woods, horseback riding, camping, canoeing and fishing.  She spent many hours outside around the house gardening and caring for her pets and property.  

Beth is survived by her lifelong faithful partner Nancy Gutierrez; as well as her brothers, Jim Haley of Solon, New York, and David Bennett (Julie) of Vero Beach, Florida; her sister Linda Bennett of Vero Beach, Florida and multiple nieces and nephews.  Beth was a beloved friend and family member that will be deeply missed. 

Services will be held Tuesday July 18, 2023 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care located at 2425 Havendale Blvd. Winter Haven, Florida with visitation from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Funeral Services will follow at 4:00 pm.

In Beth’s spirit of giving, she would prefer donations to the George C. Forsythe Hospice House Good Shepherd Hospice at https://www.chaptershealth.org/for-volunteers-donors/personal-giving/  or to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Old Center Cemetery, Pharsalia, NY.