Martha Beck, age 103, of Huron, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2015, at SunQuest Health Care Center. Her funeral service will be at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, March 3rd, at the Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Alexander Haines, officiating. Burial will be in the Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
Martha Amelia Brandsma was born February 9, 1912, at Egan, South Dakota, to John and Martha (Cameron) Brandsma. She attended rural schools in Moody County and graduated from Egan High School. Martha attended Eastern Normal School at Madison. She began her teaching career in Moody County in 1931.
Martha married Jesse E. Beck on June 16, 1940, at her parents' home in Moody County. Martha and Jesse established a ranch near Ree Heights. They lived there until they retired. To this union, two children were born: Erlyn and Warren. After furthering her education by attending Wessington Springs Jr. College, Black Hills State College, and Huron College, Martha was able to obtain her Elementary Education degree and resumed her teaching career in 1956. She taught in rural schools in Hand and Hyde counties and in the Highmore and Holabird public schools.
Martha was a member of the Ree Heights Congregational Church, where she was active in the Ladies' Aid and Helping Hands.
Martha and Jesse retired to Huron in 1973 and joined the Congregational United Church of Christ. In her retirement years she was a Sunday School teacher, president of the Women's Fellowship, member of AICC Study Club, and member of Retired Teachers and Senior Citizens.
Martha was a strong Christian woman whose faith in God enabled her to stand up to life's many challenges. She was an outstanding homemaker who loved to quilt, to crochet, and to cook. Holiday times afforded her opportunities to provide the best of meals complete with pastries, salads, and desserts.
She is survived by her two children, Erlyn M. Beck of Fort Pierre, and Warren R. (Janice) Beck of Milbank, one granddaughter, Dr. Larissa (Chuck) Bennis of Brookings, one great-grandson, Avery C. Bennis of Brookings, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jesse in 1982, four brothers, Leonal, Milo, Epton, and Lloyd, one sister, Gertrude, and a granddaughter, Natalie in 1976.