On March 26, 2021, Ella (Becky) Phillips Beckner, born on October 4, 1919, joined her husband, Dan, in the loving arms of Jesus. Dan had to wait 22 years for the love of his life to join him in heaven, but we’re certain the reunion was worth the wait.
Ella was born in Three Links, Kentucky, but was raised in a children’s home in Tiffin, Ohio, where, in the nursery at the age of two, she met the toddler who would become the man she shared her life with and who would give her the nickname she would be known by, Becky.
Becky married Dan in 1940 in Kansas City, where Dan was in college. An example of what fun-loving and adventurous people they always were, in 1941 they moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, because at that time the railroad ended there, and they wanted to see where the railroad ended. Throughout their lifetime their adventurous spirits led them to move many times, living in seven different states, eventually settling in Watertown, New York, where they raised their sons, Dan and David, and daughter, Kathy (Habeeb).
Becky was an awesome wife and mother, homemaker and secretary for Dan. She was an avid tennis player, an accomplished knitter, an all-around talented lady! Her knitted footies were legendary and always kept her family’s feet, and the feet of so many friends, nice and warm.
She was always ready to stop what she was doing to have fun with her kids and grandkids, even into her 90s, sitting on the floor with her youngest great-grandkids, building puzzles. Her 31 kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids lovingly called her Grams or Grammy, and treasured the many hours they got to spend with her.
Becky loved the Lord and spent time daily in prayer for her beloved family and for those in need. This large family has loved her and loved on her, making sure that she knew that she was the centerpiece of our family. She was a feisty, chocolate-loving, song singing, amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, through to her final days on Earth.
We will miss her, but we also rejoice that she is in Heaven with her Savior and with Dan. We would like to thank Snyder Nursing Home in Salem for the amazing love and care they gave her in the last few years of her life. We appreciate them, especially during the last week of her life, when she was treated like royalty by the staff there. And she is royalty – she is with the King of Kings now and for eternity!
Their legacy lives on through the family that loved and adored them. Son Dan’s children: Dan Beckner, Jr., Stephanie Beckner Pfromer, and Laura Beckner Reilly; son David’s children: Sandy Beckner Hebert and Michael Beckner; and daughter Kathy Beckner Habeeb’s children: Scott Habeeb, Greg Habeeb, and Kristin Habeeb Elder. Becky has eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
To honor her life and legacy, the family suggests donations to Salem YoungLife, a youth ministry important to Becky and the entire family. Memorial donations can be mailed to Salem YoungLife, P.O. Box 546, Salem, VA 24153. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
