Marilyn Beck Heitkamp

Marilyn was born in Fargo, North Dakota, on April 17, 1948, the daughter of Mildred Murph Beck and Hilbert Norman Beck. Her early life was shaped by her father's dedicated service in the U.S. Army (1941–1966), which led her to live in various locations, including Fargo, North Dakota; Baumholder, Germany; Athens, Georgia; Pensacola, Florida; and Fort Hood, Texas.

After settling in Montgomery, Alabama, Marilyn pursued her passion for elementary school education. She graduated from Huntingdon College in Montgomery with a bachelor's degree in education in 1971 and later earned her master's degree in education from Troy State in 1976.

For three decades, Marilyn dedicated herself to teaching in the elementary school in Montgomery, Alabama, primarily teaching first grade. She began her career at Hayneville Road School (1970–1973) and spent the majority of her teaching years at Dozier Elementary School (1973–1999). Marilyn's true passion was nurturing young minds; she taught over 2,000 students and possessed an uncanny ability to remember their names, even decades later. Her kindness, wit, and devotion left an indelible mark on generations of students.

Outside of the classroom, Marilyn was known for her love of life and diverse interests. Her hobbies included reading, cooking, shopping for friends and family, traveling and driving her Corvettes.

Marilyn had a keen eye for design, evident in her home's decor and her assistance to others as part of a family-run homebuilding business. Marilyn enjoyed playing with her beloved cats, the simple pleasures like Coca-Cola (preferably canned), cheering for Alabama football, and shopping for her friends and family. She actively supported her husband through activities related to his work at Gunter Air Force Base and the various associations they supported.

Marilyn was a kind, witty, and devoted individual who brightened the lives of her husband, students, and friends. She played jokes that occasionally got out of hand, but were very memorable and funny in hindsight.

Marilyn is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Kenneth Bright Heitkamp.Marilyn was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred Murph Beck and her father, Hilbert Norman Beck.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Willene Jowers and Helene Deas Gereke for their loving and tireless care, which enabled Marilyn to live with happiness, dignity, and grace at home. The family also wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the dedicated team of medical professionals at Baptist East Hospital and the medical and caregiving staff of the John Knox Memory Care unit in Montgomery, Alabama, who provided comfort and support in Marilyn's final weeks. Their kindness, compassion, and professionalism will always be remembered. Lastly, the family is eternally grateful to Doctor Harold Cox for over 30 years of unwavering dedication and loving medical care for Marilyn and her parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in honor of Marilyn to the Montgomery John Knox Manor Memory Care unit, Montgomery County Humane Society, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The Celebration of Marilyn's Life Memories' will be held on December 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home, located at 10505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL.