Mildred Grace Beck, age 92, passed away at her home in Venango, PA on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 on the date of her late husband’s birthday, surrounded by her family. Born on July 22, 1919 in Rice lake, WI, Mildred was a daughter of the late Milton and Minnie Johnson Merritt. She married Norbert Beck on September 21, 1940 and he preceded her in death on June 30, 2006. She had lived in Venango for the past 66 years.
A home maker, Mildred provided a loving home for her husband and nine children. She enjoyed spending time with her family and in particular her grandchildren. Knitting and crocheting were two of her passions and she made numerous hats and gloves for the neighborhood children.
Mildred is survived by five sons – Robert Beck and his wife, Sharon of Venango; James Beck and his wife, Virginia of Cambridge Springs; Charles Beck and his wife, Janice of Cambridge Springs; William Beck and his fianc???e, Chris of Conneautville; and Patrick Beck and his wife, Jill of Cambridge Springs; also four daughters – Mildred Frontz and her husband, Leroy of Cambridge Springs; Linda Hansen and her husband, Raymond of Saegertown; Janet Mascitti and her husband, Frank of Meadville; and Diana Beck of Venango, PA. In addition, one sister – Hazel Ashman of Saegertown and sisters-in-law – Evelyn Merritt of Venango, Clarice Mahon of Cleveland, Marie Ondo of Cleveland, Lois Beck of Cleveland, Patricia Ramsey of Kansas, and Louise Knoblow of Meadville all survive.
Likewise, she is survived by eighteen grandchildren – Bart Beck and his wife, Jill; James Frontz and his finance, Lyn; Ellen Dudley and her husband, John; Stephanie Flowers; Kim Gorton and her husband, Bill; Carrie Shank and her husband, Dan; Christopher Hansen; Melissa Snow and her husband, Doug; Heather English and her husband, Greg; Matt Beck and his wife, Barbara; Michael Beck; Jennifer Patchell; Danny Patchell; Nikki Winsor and her husband, Steve; Jake Beck and his wife, Nikki; Brent Beck and his wife, Michelle; Luke Beck and his wife, Brook; Brittany Mascetti. Her step grandchildren include – Chad Perrin and his wife, Heather; Shawn Zangrilli and her husband, Arman, and Shelley Eshelman; and twenty-five great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Mildred was preceded in death by an infant son – Bernard Beck and a grandson – Craig Beck. Also by two sisters – Adeline Burge and Gladys Waid and five brothers – Merton Merritt, Lester Merritt, Don Merritt, Morris Merritt, and Irvine Merritt.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 and are invited to attend funeral services there on Friday at 1:00 p.m. Reverend Kelly Nelson, pastor of the Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church in Saegertown and Reverend Father David Poulson, pastor of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Cambridge Springs officiating. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Venango Volunteer Fire Department, 21486 Meadville Street, Venango, PA 16440.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with the entire Beck family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry to hear. Our sympathies go to all of our families. You are all in our prayers.
Rose & Larry Merritt
My heart goes out to the family… Mrs. Beck was a wonderful woman. She was like a grandmother to me and my sister. We are thankful that we were able to share in her life and all of her family. She will be missed!!!