Jackie Beck

Jackie Beck, 78, entered Heaven on Tuesday, November 16, 2010, into the waiting arms of her Savior Jesus Christ and her beloved husband, Bob. She passed away at Taylor House Hospice, surrounded by family, after a courageous two year battle with cancer.

Jackie was born on December 20, 1931. She was the oldest of five children born to Diela (Henderson) and Morton Machir. On January 25, 1958, she married the love of her life, Robert F. Beck. They enjoyed over 50 years of marriage, until his death in 2008.

Jackie’s life’s work was being a devoted mom to her six children. Later in life, she worked and retired from Drake University.

Family was the focus of Jackie’s life. She rejoiced with every new addition to her family. Her only brush with the law occurred when she was caught speeding to see her firstborn grandson. She was a true “Proverbs 31” virtuous woman. Her family describes her as: Godly, selfless, generous, awesome, funny, caring, warm, and loving. You could only make her mad by threatening her “babies”, then she would become a ferocious “Mama bear”. She was a great cook who welcomed everyone to her table.

Jackie was an active member of Grace Church for over 25 years. She served in many ministries, but was especially known for being a prayer warrior. Her favorite Bible verse was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” Her alias was “Cookie the Clown” who entertained children of all ages with her silliness and monster cookies.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Marilyn; brother, Morton; grandson, Jonathan; and daughter-in-law, Brenda.

Jackie is survived by her children, Linda (Gary) Welker, Debra, Bobbie Jo (Michael) Knudsen, Russ, Reggie, and Randy; 19 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her brothers, Ronald (Ona) Machir and Victor Machir; sisters-in-law, Arvella Machir and Helen Eizik; and many loved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 20, 2010, at Grace Church, 4200 E. 25th Street, Des Moines, with burial to follow at Altoona Cemetery. Family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2010, at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW, Altoona.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in loving memory of Jackie Beck.

Online condolences may be made to:
www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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