Graceann (Schill) Beckord

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Graceann Beckord, beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend who left us while sleeping peacefully on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at her home in Sun City West, Arizona. She was a wonderful mother who gave the best hugs. She had many friends and was a well-loved member of the community. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Graceann was born on November 19, 1948 in Grinnell, Iowa. She graduated from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, which led her to a teaching job in Rolfe, Iowa. It was there she met the love of her life, they wed in 1972 and enjoyed 51 years together. Loved by all who knew her, she worked as a teacher for many years but devoted her life to her children and grandchildren.

Graceann was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Grandma. She was generous with her love and hugs and always made people around her laugh.

She was predeceased by her parents H. Andrew Schill and Arline Schill (Estlund); her twin sister Georgeann; her brother Rev. Rick Schill (Sue); her brother-in-law Jim Bisenius; her husband’s parents George Martin Beckord and Anita Mae Beckord; her brothers-in-law Dr. Bruce Beckord (Mary Lou), Donald Beckord (Jean) and Steven Swails; and her nephew Dr. Brian Beckord.

She is survived by her husband Sydney Garland Beckord; her son Andrew George Beckord, (Hollie) of Chanhassen, Minnesota; her daughter Sara (Beckord) Inclenrock, (Chris) of Novato, California; her grandchildren Anna Grace (18), Audrey Grace (15), Mina Elizabeth (14), Benjamin Earl (13) and Hudson Sydney (8); her siblings Jane Bisenius, John Schill (Chris), and Gus Schill (Kay); her sister-in-law Sara Swails; and brother-in-law John Beckord (Lucy).

“True love never dies, it is immortal and eternal, and it lives on in the hearts of those who love.” -unknown

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Graceann’s name to Fight Colorectal Cancer fightcolorectalcancer.org

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