Esther "Vonnie" Yvonne Beckom

Esther Yvonne "Vonnie" Beckom, beloved wife of Donald Beckom, passed away at the age of 91 on July 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She dedicated her life to her family and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Vonnie was born April 15, 1933 to Frederick and Thelma (Unger) Yager in Kokomo, IN. She married Donald Ray Beckom July 6, 1952, they recently celebrated 72 years of marriage. Immediately after the wedding the couple moved to Fort Belvoir, VA where Don was stationed as a Corporal with the 38th Well Drilling Detachment for 2 years before moving back to the Oakford-Kokomo area to raise their family and run their business, Beckom Well Drilling, with Vonnie managing the office and running a rig. Vonnie also worked at Delco and Taylor School District.

Vonnie had a talent for crafting and enjoyed making brooms, stained glass, crocheting, sewing, was a member of Delco Retiree's Hobby Club and enjoyed playing cards with her card club. She enjoyed crafting with her family and even performed as a clown. She was a Worthy Matron and member of Eastern Star Center Lodge #108 for 67 years. She and Don were members of the Elwood Historical Society and the Tipton Antique Tractor Show for many years. She was an excellent cook and loved cooking for her family and hosting large holiday celebrations. Vonnie was athletic in her youth and her love for sports never wavered. She must hold a record for attending the most sporting events in support of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She became an ordained minister at the age of 89 to unite her great grandchild Alexander and Destinea Beckom in marriage.

Vonnie is survived by her husband Donald Ray Beckom, daughter Teresa "Terri" Cross, sons Jan (Gyla) Beckom and Jay (Pam) Beckom. Grandchildren Jeff Anderson, Cody (Bethany) Cross, Tayler Bagby, Janelle (Brandon) Renbarger, Jamie (Chuck) Bowman, Jana Beckom, Monique (David) Haire, Caroline, Laura, Katie and Claire Harbaugh. Great grandchildren, Austin Anderson, Dakota (Krystion) Anderson, Cieara and Dhru Anderson, Dana, Lane and Leah Cross, Kendall Raquet, Cooper Bagby, Gabriel, Elijah, and Alivia Rodriquez, Alexander (Destinea) Beckom, Aidden, Azia, Ayva, Arlyn, and Ayler Bowman, Huntleigh Beckom, Eden, Jonathan, Emily and Evelyn Haire. Great-great Grandchildren Raevyn Anderson and Carter Bowman. Sisters Marsha Rude and Pam Miller and brother C.J. "Charles" (Sandy) Yager, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, great granddaughter Harlow Beckom, and brother-in-law Everett Rude.

The family would like to thank the staff at Primrose and Southern Care Hospice for their loving care for both Vonnie and Don.

Memorial contributions can be made to Fairfield Christian Church, 1476 County Road East 400 South, Kokomo, IN 46902.

Visitation will be 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. A celebration of Vonnie's life will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center 3400 S. Webster Street Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.