Mary Beth, age 87, was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and proud of it! She married Laurel “Bud” Ek on May 2, 1950. They moved to Chebanse, IL in 1957, and then to Whitefish, MT in 1966. Mary Beth later moved to Pierre, SD, Palm Springs, CA, Sun City, AZ and Minneapolis, MN to be close to family.
Mary Beth passed away peacefully with her eyes gazed on God on March 2, 2018. She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Elizabeth Nall Berlin; brother, William “Buddy” Berlin; sister, Dottie Berlin Tidwell.
Mary Beth is survived by her 5 children, Nancy (Jim) Uden, Randy (Jan) Ek, Daniel Ek, Lori (Morris) Riehle, William (Rebecca) Ek; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-granddaughters; sister, Cynthia Bruce; many nieces; nephews, other relatives and SO many friends. Her family was everything to her, and every one of her children and all of their families honored her at a family reunion in the Black Hills of SD in 2012.
Mary Beth was a 1948 graduate of Adamson High School in Dallas, TX. She loved the Adamson Panther baseball team, was on the pep squad, and instrumental in their 1999 reunion. She was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and kept her white and blue Christmas tree up all year round.
Mary Beth discovered her artistic talent later in life starting with silk flower arrangements. She went on to design and make jewelry, and crafted many beautiful pieces for family and friends. She loved to dance and was so proud of her last dance in December after doctors predicted months earlier she’d never walk again without assistance.
She held a number of jobs including bookkeeper for her husband’s businesses, children’s clothing store owner, van driver and security guard. But her favorite job was Social Director for Grand Prairie Senior Center where she retired at age 76. She loved “her seniors” and the many trips and events she organized for them.
A celebration of Mary Beth’s life will be held at Laurel Land Funeral Home and Cemetery, 6000 S. RL Thornton Fwy, Dallas, Texas 75232 on March 17, 2018. Visitation and viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00, service at 2:00 p.m.; graveside service following. A reception will be held at The Eunice Activity Center, 1000 Eunice Street, Arlington, TX 76010.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations made to J. A. Wedum
Compassion Fund which provides assistance to patients who cannot afford room and board expenses at the J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice. Mary Beth was blessed to spend her last days there.
Mail to:
Allina Health Hospice Foundation
333 Smith Avenue N, Suite 4640
St. Paul, MN 55102
