Jackie Lou Machir Beck 1931-2010

BECK, MACHIR, WELKER, KNUDSEN, EIZIK

Posted By: Bobbie (email)
Date: 6/26/2011 at 20:18:44

The Des Moines Register
November 18, 2010

Jackie Lou Beck

Jackie Beck, 78, entered Heaven on Tuesday, November 16, 2010, into the waiting arms of her Savior Jesus Christ and her beloved husband, Bob. She passed away at Taylor House Hospice, surrounded by family, after a courageous two year battle with cancer.

Jackie was born on December 20, 1931 in Des Moines, Iowa. She was the oldest of five children born to Morton C. and Diela Henderson Machir. On January 25, 1958, she married the love of her life, Robert F. Beck. They enjoyed over 50 years of marriage, until his death in 2008.

Jackie's life's work was being a devoted mom to her six children. Later in life, she worked and retired from Drake University.

Family was the focus of Jackie's life. She rejoiced with every new addition to her family. Her only brush with the law occurred when she was caught speeding to see her firstborn grandchild. She was a true "Proverbs 31" virtuous woman. Her family describes her as: Godly, selfless, generous, awesome, funny, caring, warm, and loving. She was a great cook who welcomed everyone to her table.

Jackie was an active member of Grace Church for over 25 years. She served in many ministies, but was especially known for being a prayer warrior. Her favorite Bible verse was John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." Her alias was "Cookie the Clown" who entertained children of all ages with her silliness and monster cookies.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant sister Marilyn Machir; brother Morton E. Machir; grandson Jonathan Beck; and daughter-in-law, Brenda Beck.

Jackie is survived by her children, Linda (Gary)Welker, Debra, Bobbie Jo (Michael) Knudsen, Russ, Reggie and Randy; 19 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her brothers, Ronald (Ona) Machir and Victor Machir; sisters-in-laws, Arvella Machir and Helen Eizik; and many loved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 20, 2010, at Grace Church, 4200 E. 25th Street, Des Moines, with burial to follow at Altoona Cemetery. Family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2010, at Hamilton's Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW, Altoona.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in loving memory of Jackie Beck.