Mary Louise Beckett

Mary Louise Beckett passed away peacefully at her home on December 17, 2016 at the age of 88. She was born Mary Louise Lindley on March 19, 1928 to Jess and Lula Lindley in the small Texas Panhandle town of Canadian. She was the 2nd youngest and last surviving of her four siblings; Bill, Jess (JB), and Dwight. Mary graduated in 1945 from Canadian High School, home of the Wildcats. Mary was honored to be voted Senior Class Favorite. After high school, she attended Park College in Parkville, Missouri and later graduated from West Texas State University in Canyon with a BS degree in Home Economics. After college, Mary went to work for Phillips Petroleum in Borger, Texas and joined the Phillips R&D efforts as a lab technician. It was there she met Archie and her flowing red hair and infectious smile swept him off his feet. They fell in love and were married on August 30, 1952 and quickly setup household and family. Mary and Archie raised four children; Karen, Harry, Archie Jr., and Mark, and were inseparable until his death in April 2012. After living in Texas, Oklahoma, and California, the Mary and Archie "Mariarchi" Becketts, returned to Las Cruces in 1959 where he worked as an engineer at White Sands Missile Range. They moved into the original Beckett family homestead on Compress Road and later moved north of town near the Three Crosses in 1966. Mary continued her education and received her teaching degree at NMSU. She began her career in 1962, teaching 3rd and 5th grade at Washington Elementary and 3rd grade at Jornada Elementary until she retired in 1984. Over the years, many of her former students and their parents have recounted how much "Mrs. Beckett" meant to them. Some expressed she inspired them throughout their lives, even 40 to 50 years later. Mary was a native Texan, but she lovingly adopted Archie's heritage and roots in the Las Cruces community, including family, lifelong friends, food and traditions. She loved the weather and was inspired by New Mexico's natural beauty. Mary and Archie enjoyed playing bridge, being an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority for 59 years, social activities at their work places, navigating RV tours, and attending NMSU Aggie basketball and Mayfield Trojan football games. Mary was very involved in the community and served in many capacities, including President of the Retired Teachers Association, Oral History Club, Sisters Cities International, Story League, and the Mary Martha women's Circle in her church. The Becketts actively worshiped at First Presbyterian Church of Las Cruces for over 50 years. They demonstrated true dedication to their church family, and participated in multiple ministries and fostered many enduring friendships. Mary loved music, especially traditional church hymns, the popular music of the 40's, and sing-along music of many genres. She fondly nurtured her children to learn and love music of all kinds and enjoyed it tremendously in her home and public venues. She contributed to the purchase of a new organ for the church and looked forward to the music ministries presented each Sunday. Some of her proudest moments were when her sons, Harry played the piano and Archie Jr, played French horn in church services and her extended family and friends shared their music at gatherings. Mary often stated her family was her greatest source of joy and blessings. She strived to ensure everyone stayed connected and supported each other. Mary and Archie hosted many family reunions to create fun opportunities for the extended family, and always invited their childrens' wide circle of friends. Their house always had an open door for family, friends and colleagues to gather. Mary is survived by her four children, Karen Alvarez and Glenn McCain of El Paso TX, Harry Beckett and wife Jane of Springfield, MO, Archie Beckett Jr. and wife Dani of Katy, TX, and Mark Beckett and wife Louise of Fort Collins, CO; 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 14 nephews and nieces, and 31 great nephews and nieces. The Beckett family wishes to extend their appreciation and gratitude to family and friends that offered love, comfort and support during Mary's final journey. Special recognition goes to her daytime caregivers, Stephanie Trujillo and Ericka Escalera and their families who treated her as one of their own; Comfort Keepers for their excellent night time care; Mesilla Valley Hospice for enhancing her quality of life with comfort care; and Dr. Arthur Berkson for providing extraordinary medical care for her. We also wish to thank Rev. Norm Story, Janet Loman, Larry Hicks, and Dr. Jay Bishop of First Presbyterian Church who visited and prayed with her on many occasions. We will be forever grateful to all of them. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Las Cruces , American Veterans (AMVETS) , or Military Order of the Purple Heart . There will be a celebration of Mary's life with a memorial service and reception at First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Boutz Road on Saturday, January 7th at 11:30 am. Interment will be next to the love of her life, Archie at a private graveside service at Masonic Cemetery. PDF Printable Version Service Information
Saturday, January 7, 2017 11:30am,
First Prebyterian

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Interment Location

Masonic Cemetery

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