Phyllis A. Beckett

Phyllis Arlene Beckett, 81, of Hawley, MN. passed away peacefully with her family beside her on Monday, March 7, 20ll. Phyllis was born on April 20, 1929 to Leonard and Martha Blankenship Howe in Moorhead, MN. She grew up and attended school in Moorhead. In 1942 her family moved to Ogden, Utah to search for jobs. Sister Shirley and her lived with relatives and joined their family in 1944. During the summers, she stayed with relatives near Glyndon. In 1948, she returned to Glyndon after marrying Dick Beckett and raised six children on the farm. Farm life included raising animals, milking cows, helping in the fields, harvesting and canning vegetables. During her spare time, she loved playing cards with the neighbors and gathering friends for waffles and homemade ice cream on weekend evenings. Playing guitar, violin and piano – Phyllis shared her love of music with family and friends.Living on the lake, she enjoyed being surrounded by nature. Her nickname "Flip" came from her ability to do handsprings. She loved roller-skating – even into her early 70's. She kept herself busy sewing quilts and making presents for all of her family. She looked forward to traveling with her sister from California each year – Europe, around the states and Hawaii. Phyllis is survived by one sister, JoAnn Hudspeth of Playa Del Rey, CA.; six children, Karrie Bob of Park Rapids, MN, Larry Dianna Beckett of Moorhead, MN, Jerry Deb Beckett of Glyndon, MN, Randy Cindy Beckett, Glyndon, MN, Lynette Dave Jorgenson of St. Thomas, ND, and Cindy Gary Ulven of Hawley, MN. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren – Kris, Kelsey, Jennifer, Tim, Tom, Dwight, Tony, Holly, Kyle, Josh, Shawn, Amber, Shane; 7 great grandchildren-Michael, Jacob, Hannah, Kimmy, Hunter, Anaira, Braelynn; nieces and nephews, and many others that liked to call her "grandma".She was welcomed into heaven by her parents; brothers – Lloyd, Gordon, Vernon, and sister Shirley.She will be remembered for her positive attitude, radiant smile and for helping others in need. With all of her heart, she loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and will be dearly missed.