1917-2008

Memorial services were held yesterday, Feb. 6, at the Empire United Methodist Church, for longtime Empire resident Lillian A. Beck who died Feb. 2 at Maple Valley Nursing Home.

She was born Aug. 18, 1917, in Haskell, Ark., the daughter of William F. and Minnie (Younger) Raiford. On Aug. 31, 1947, in Little Rock, Ark., she married Irwin H. Beck, who survives.

An avid gardner, she was also very interested in history and wrote books on the histories of the Empire United Methodist Church, South Manitou Island, Otter Creek and the Tweddle School. She was a member of the Empire United Methodist Church, the Garden Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, the United Methodist Women and the South Manitou Island History Committee. Also surviving are her children, Ellis Beck of Georgia, Judy (Terry) Gage of Cedar Springs, Vicki (Karl) Schultz of Interlochen and Keith (Sandra) Beck of Horsham, Pa.; a sister, Anna-Lois Spohn of Colorado; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter who died at birth and by her sister, Yvonne Roe.

Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Empire in the spring.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Empire Lions Club.