Marjorie Diane Beckwith

August 24th, 1929 – January 12th, 2026

“Marjorie “ Margie” Diane Beckwith, an adventurous, and talented individual, passed away on January 12, 2026, at her home in Surprise, AZ at the age of 96. Born in the summer of

1929 on August 24th, in San Francisco, California, Marjorie was the daughter of loving parents Charles and Doris Saul and big sister to Max (Maxferd) David and Beverly Ann. She was studious and gifted, excelling academically and artistically throughout her life. Growing up in San Francisco, as a young girl Marjorie studied dancing and singing and loved to perform. Marjorie's pursuit of knowledge led her to attend UC Berkeley and the University of Alaska, where in 1954 she earned a B.A. in English with a minor in theatre where she was very active in the theater department productions. Years later, she returned to academia to obtain her master’s degree in 1976, through Portland State University.

Marjorie's career was marked by her love for education. She began as a high school English teacher in Fresno, and then in Marin County, later transitioning into a university teacher and counselor in Oregon, where she continued to inspire and guide countless students.

Marjorie had a passion for music and theater, being a talented jazz, tap dancer, and singer. Throughout her youth and young adulthood, she performed in local theater productions, and toured clubs of the day. She even recorded a beautiful song enshrined at the Library of Congress in honor of President Kennedy.

In 1965 Marjorie met her soul mate Orrin Beckwith in Fresno, California. He was a Park Ranger with a passion for nature and music, and together they shared 60 years of marriage.

They raised a beautiful family, enjoyed nature and camping, traveled to many places, and entertained and delighted audiences. With Orrin on harmonica and guitar, and Marjorie on guitar, both singing beautifully, they formed their musical partnership, affectionately known as "Riff & Raff". This continued well into their 80s, a testament to their shared passion for music. They also enjoyed ballroom and square dancing, tennis, swimming and hiking. Always with her loving husband “Orry” by her side, they were dedicated to remaining active well into their 90s and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Marjorie is survived by her 5 children; Catherine Rasmussen, Elizabeth Beckwith, Chuck Beckwith, Mark Beckwith and Marilee Flannery, 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren who will carry on the legacy of the Beckwith Family. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Orrin Davis Beckwith, sister Beverly Ann Wilson, and brother Maxferd David Saul.

Marjorie Diane Beckwith's legacy of inspiration, and talent, her positive outlook and love of life, will be remembered by all who know her. She will be deeply missed.

A committal service will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on February 23rd at 2:30pm and a celebration of Marjorie’s life will take place at 5:30pm at the Sun Village Community Recreation Hall. 17300 N. Sun Village Parkway, Surprise, AZ.85374