Marie Elania Beckham

Born on November 4, 1941, in Toronto, Kansas, Marie was the daughter of Fred A. and Lucile L. Edwards. She grew up alongside her sister, Helen, and five brothers: Kenneth, Donald, William, Ronald and Dennis L. Edwards.

After graduating from Fredonia High School, Marie attended American Business College in Wichita, Kansas, where she graduated in 1960. Soon thereafter, she met the future love of her life, William H. "Bill" Beckham, at a social mixer regularly hosted for military personnel and civilians. The two were married on December 4, 1960, at the McConnell Air Force Base Chapel in Wichita, Kansas. Their union was blessed with their only child, Sheila Kaye, born on January 10, 1962.

Together, Marie and Bill embarked on a life dedicated to service. Bill served proudly in the United States Air Force, while Marie built an accomplished career in Federal Civilian Service. Their journey took them around the world, including assignments at Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany; Williams Air Force Base in Chandler, Arizona; Ent Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado; Ramstein Air Base, Germany; and McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas.

Marie began her federal career as a commissary cashier and rose through the ranks to retire as Chief of Financial Analysis at McConnell Air Force Base. Through her dedication, leadership, and exceptional talent with numbers, her office earned numerous accolades, including recognition as the Best Budget Office and Best Financial Analysis Office in the Air Mobility Command. She took great pride in her work and was respected by colleagues throughout her distinguished career.

Her gift for numbers extended far beyond the workplace. When her great-granddaughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, Marie devoted herself to helping manage and analyze daily blood sugar readings and meal planning. It brought her tremendous joy to use her skills to support her family and contribute to her great-granddaughter's well-being.

Marie enjoyed gardening, home improvement and decorating projects, country music, and the occasional adventure at the slot machines. Yet of all the roles she held in life, none brought her greater happiness than being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She lovingly served as daycare provider, teacher, confidante, and enthusiastic spoiler to her grandsons, Ryan and Broc, and later to her cherished great-grandchildren, Aiden L. Goddard, Emmy A. Muzzy, and Easton A. Yocom.

Marie is survived by her daughter, Sheila K. Yocom (Greg); grandsons, Ryan N. Muzzy (Kristina Wilson) and Broc A. Yocom; great-grandchildren, Aiden L. Goddard, Emmy A. Muzzy, and Easton A. Yocom; her sister, Helen (Linda) B. Bruen (Sid); brothers, Donald B. Edwards, Ronald W. Edwards (Leisa), and Dennis L. Edwards; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William H. Beckham; her parents, Fred A. Edwards and Lucile L. Edwards; and her brothers, Kenneth A. Edwards and William R. Edwards.

Marie leaves behind a legacy of love, service, generosity, and devotion to family. Her strength, wisdom, and unwavering support enriched the lives of all who knew her, and her memory will be treasured for generations to come.

A private service will be held by the family.

In lieu of flowers or meals, memorial contributions may be made in Marie's honor to Camp Discovery Kansas, a local camp serving children with Juvenile (Type 1) Diabetes, a cause that held a special place in her heart.

https://diy-diabetes.donordrive.com/campaigns/Marie-E-Beckham