Bekki (Blackford) Kirkland
April 26, 2020
Bekki Louise (Blackford) Kirkland, 49, of Ogden, Iowa passed away at her home on Sunday, April 26, 2020 doing what she loved; planting sunflowers. Bekki was born on December 29, 1970 at Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
On September 30, 2017, she married the love of her life, Eldon Kirkland. She was devoted to her loving husband and step-son Aiden, and loved to spend time with them outside in the garden at their country home in Ogden.
Bekki is survived by too many loved ones to count. She was loving mother to Zack Bowden, devoted daughter to Ellen (Doug) Beckman and James (Ginna) Blackford, and beloved sister to Jill (Brian) Leonard and Jaime (Mike) Kidder.
Bekki was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and used the gift of her own journey to help countless women change their own lives. Bekki worked at the Des Moines Public Library as the Library Office Manager and was passionate about her career. Besides loving to be in her gardens at home, Bekki and Eldon loved the freedom of the open road on their Harley Davidson motorcycles and often traveled cross country together. A few of their most favorite and memorable trips were to Sturgis in South Dakota, The Bishop’s Castle in Colorado, Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and visiting loved ones in California. Bekki will forever be remembered for her infectious laugh, her giddy excitement over life’s smallest miracles, and most of all - her heart of gold.
The family will receive visitors from 12-2 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2020, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. We kindly ask you to be mindful of your time greeting the family as we must work within the Covid-19 restrictions.
A private service will be available to livestream at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday through Hamilton’s website www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Bekki.
Chad and Barb Willard
05/12/2020
We are so sorry for your loss. Bekki was a special person. She cared about everyone ans saw the good in everyone.She was a wonderful wife and mother. May God be with you and give you strength.
Beth & Jim Kain
05/10/2020
We are so sorry to hear about Bekki. Our hearts are with you at this time and we pray that God carries you through this time of loss and sadness. God Bless you Eldon and the rest of her family. To be able to watch and participate (in prayer) in her service was a wonderful thing.
Michelle Cross
05/10/2020
I think I will miss her smile, it was infectious. You saw her and that smile and you just couldn't help but smile back. She was the bubbliest person I ever met, always upbeat, positive, and willing. It is truly a sad day that the world is without her. But God has her now and will make great things happen with all that positivity and energy. Eldon & Aiden never doubt her love for you and know she will be watching over you both, and smiling.
Jackie Brown
05/09/2020
Family mattered most! My heart goes out to you. Your words were all so perfect and your service was amazing and beautiful. God bless.
Debbie (Mattix) Welch
05/09/2020
Bekki was a beautiful lady inside and out. Im blessed by knowing her for so many years. I was able to watch the miracle happen for her and her light will always shine bright. God Bless her family during this time.
Tammy Oliver
05/09/2020
Im so saddened to hear the news of Bekki passing. We grew up down the street from each other. I will always cherish the memories I have of us growing up together. She will be deeply missed. Prayers to you all!
Andrea Wingert
05/09/2020
I am so sorry for your loss.
It was an honor to get to know Bekki and to have her as a sponsor. I loved her so so so much. She has forever changed my life for the better.
Michelle Wonders
05/09/2020
Bekki, I am so blessed to have known you and have you in my life. You made everybody feel like a somebody. No words can ever express just how much you mean to me. I will miss you every day for the rest of my life.
Nona Lee
05/09/2020
Broke my heart to hear of your passing you always have a smile on your face and a laugh that was very contagious fly high beautiful angel and I am sorry Eldon
Toni Olson
05/08/2020
Eldon, I am not sure if I ever met Bekki. But I am so very happy you found happiness with her in your life. May she rest in peace, until you both meet again. I love you brother, may God lift you up during these times. She may have gone home to heaven, but she is forever in many hearts.
Steve and Therese Duchesneau
05/08/2020
Eldon,we cannot imagine the pain you are feeling at the loss of your beautiful Bekki. We offer our heartfelt condolences, to you and all Bekki's family and friends. Someone as special as her, will never be forgotten. Sending love and prayers . Steve and Tee.
Lila Hutton
05/08/2020
Eldon I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't ever meet Bekki but I know she was your true love. Sending my love and prayers to you and your family.
Rhonda Hutton
05/08/2020
Eldon I didnt know your wife, but it was clear you two where so very happy together. Im so profoundly sorry for you loss. Love you. Rhonda.
Barb Jones
05/08/2020
Bekki's light is too bright to be put out. Her loving, joyful spirit are with us always. Knowing her has been a blessing and a privilege & I will be forever grateful to God (and to Rita) for the time I had with her on earth. She made a conscious effort to live the ideals expressed in the Prayer of St. Francis. Dance with the other angels, my friend!! I love you Bekki!
David Coco
05/08/2020
Over the past 31 plus years I have known Bekki, she was one of happiest gals I had ever ran into at the White House in Des Moines. I also know she worked diligently at trying to help other women get on track and remain in recovery. It is her happy spirit I will always remember and cherish that she found in Alcoholics Anonymous. I extend my utmost condolences to Eldon, Bekki, and their families.