Mary’s Obituary Mary M. Beckwith, 88, passed away on January 18, 2019. Mary was born on October 11, 1930 in Independence, Missouri to Thomas William Sr. and Madge Alice (Mendenhall) Thatcher. She grew up in the East Independence community and attended Spring Branch Grade School from grades 1-8. Graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1948 and was a member of the National Honor Society for two years. Attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa for one year before beginning her career as a secretary. Mary married Lee Beckwith on January 20, 1952 in Independence, MO, and after a honeymoon in the Ozarks, moved to Murdo, SD to establish their home. Together they owned and managed the family business on Main Street in Murdo for over 40 years before retiring to Rapid City in 1986. They also spent 24 winters in the eastern Mesa, Arizona area. Mary enjoyed working on the computer, reading, watching movies, Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos. She was a member of Silver Sneakers at the Athletic Club for many years. In her earlier years she knitted and crocheted items for her children and grandchildren. Her Christian faith was very important to her and was a life-long member of the Community of Christ denomination. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Lee Beckwith; her son, Gary Lee Beckwith; her parents, Thomas and Madge Thatcher; two brothers, Thomas Jr. and Ellis Thatcher; and sister, Doris Beckwith. Survivors include one son, Eugene “Gene” (Patricia) Beckwith of Reliance, SD; one daughter, Linda (Quentin) Kavanaugh of Safford, AZ; daughter in law, Ruth Beckwith of Rapid City; one brother, David (Linda) Thatcher of Blue Springs, MO; 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Kirk Funeral Home. Inurnment will be held at later date in Murdo, SD. Memorials may be directed to the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation (10701 Parkridge Blvd, Suite 170, Reston, VA 20191) or the charity of your choice. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Marcella Beckwith October 11 1930 January 18 2019.
Death notice for the town of: New York, state: New York