Elizabeth Beck, 91, of Churdan, died January 1, 2020 at the Greene County Medical Center, Jefferson, with her family by her side. The family hosted a memorial visitation for relatives and friends on Jan. 6, at the First Baptist Church in Churdan. Elizabeth Beck was laid to rest beside her husband at the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery, Adel.
Elizabeth (Liz) was born December 29, 1928, in El Cajon, California to Harry and Clara Brooks as their first child. Harry and Clara later welcomed twins, Joseph (Joe) and Josephine (Josie), and soon after their youngest, Dorothy.
Liz spent her childhood with her siblings in El Cajon, enjoying her time playing sports with Joe and the boys. Living on the farm, the family all had their roles to make ends meet. Her father worked for San Diego Gas and Electric and her mother was a school teacher. Liz spent her younger days going to school, cleaning houses, and canning with her mother and sisters. Liz met her childhood best friend, Arlene, in 8th grade; the two of them were as wild as can be. Their time together consisted of riding all of the carnival rides, hanging at the beach, and chasing all the boys.
Liz took her first job at the local photography studio at age15. Here she met the love of her life, Elmer Beck, in the spring of 1947. Elmer took a job at the same studio following his return from World War II. Liz and Elmer married at the First Baptist Church in El Cajon on Jan. 30, 1948. Liz and Elmer moved to Canoga Park in the San Fernando Valley, CA. Here they established their roots and started their family. Adopting their daughters Elizabeth (Beth) in 1958 and Lori in 1961, this completed their family of four. Liz said the best part of raising her family was the togetherness it blossomed with so many people in her life.
Liz’s greatest accomplishment in her life was her 50 years of volunteering service, claiming her fame as “World’s Greatest Volunteer”.
Liz is survived by her sister Josie Hayes (Jerry); daughters Beth Gerwulf and Lori Gannon; grandchildren Brittney Ahrens (Matthew), Andrew Barden (Lindsay), Brooke Mallory (Andrew), Brianne Gerwulf, Autumn Gannon, and JJ Gannon; great-grandchildren Hudson Ahrens, Harper Ahrens, Lucy Ahrens, Ellis Ahrens, Declan Barden, Cohen Barden, Isabelle Mallory, Olivia Mallory, and Lauren Mallory. Liz was looking forward to welcoming two new grandchildren in May (Ahrens) and June (Barden).
Liz was preceded in death by her husband Elmer Beck; siblings Joseph Brooks and Dorothy Uehling; son-in-law John Gannon; and great-grandchildren twins Charlie and Noah Ahrens, and Baby Barden.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Star Valley Health Foundation, 901 Adams St., Afton, WY 83110.
The family is assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.
