Mildred Laura Beck

Mildred Laura Beck was born in Headrick, OK on October 22, 1916 to Mr. and Mrs. HC Bennett. As the oldest daughter she helped her mother care for the other children. One of her jobs was preparing the breakfast biscuits. She always told of how cold it was in the early winter mornings putting her hands in the cold lard and flour.

Mildred was married at 16 and widowed with two sons (Ben and Jim) by the time she was in her 20’s. She worked hard for many years to support her and her sons as a hostess at Charlie’s Restaurant in Altus, OK. She loved her job and it was there that she met a customer who was the love of her life. Mildred married Lawrence Philip Beck on June 2, 1951. They were blessed with a son late in life, Larry, who they loved dearly.

Mildred and Lawrence moved often the first 5 years as Lawrence worked on the sizemagraph crew. She always said they moved so much she felt like she lived with her head in a moving barrel packing and unpacking. They finally settled in Odessa, TX when Larry was almost 3 years old. Mildred worked as a cosmetic sales clerk for many years. She volunteered lots of her time at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and school and also as a Pink Lady at the hospital.

The one thing Mildred always wanted was a daughter. She was thrilled when her son Ben had a daughter named Kellye whom she loved dearly. Then when Larry married his wife Barbara they gave her two more granddaughters (Rebecca and Laura) and a grandson (John). She and Lawrence loved them so much they moved to La Porte to be closer to them.

Mildred had a love for old Western movies and books. She would go the bookstore or library at least once a week to get a bag of books to read.

She always had everyone giggling with her cute sayings. Some memorable ones were “Now there’s a job for you!” “Momma watch the dog!” and “Everybody’s wearing them.”

Mildred is preceded in death by her parents Mr. and Mrs. HC Bennett, her brothers Lawrence, Albert and Velson, granddaughter Lisa Haggard and sons Ben Lee Marsh and James Patrick Marsh and husband Lawrence Philip Beck.

She is survived by her sister Arlene Rowlett, son Larry Beck and wife Barbara, grandchildren Kellye Stewart and husband John, Rebecca Hutto and husband David, Laura Beck and husband Geno Luten and John Beck. She had four great grandchildren Hailey Alfono, Blake and Brett Hutto and Carl Lawrence Luten. Also, three great great grandchildren Trevor, Titus and Thadeus Alfono and many nieces and nephews.

We love and miss you Mom, Grandma, Aunt and friend. Peace be with you.