Betty Ellyn Beckman, the daughter of Everett and Mary (Campbell) Dragoo, was born February 1, 1932, in Tarkio, Missouri. She attended Tarkio High School, Tarkio, later receiving her GED. She then attended William and Mary College, Virginia, earning her Associate’s Degree in Psychology.

On March 23, 1947, Betty was united in marriage to Lowell Beckman. They became parents of five children, Michael, Douglas, twins Phillip and Phyllis, and Jill. They spent 69 wonderful years together. Lowell passed away March 23, 2016.

While Lowell was serving in the United States Navy, Betty worked in Civil Service at the Pentagon behind closed doors and at the Naval Air Station Oceana. Following their time in Virginia, Lowell and Betty moved to Florida in 1974 where they owned and operated Beckman Company. In 1986, the couple moved to Tarkio where Betty proudly served her community for 16 years as Director of Atchison County Community Services. She retired in the early 2000s.

Betty was a member of the First Baptist Church, Tarkio. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, gardening and planting flowers. Most of all, Betty enjoyed dancing and listening to music. Betty passed away Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Tarkio Rehabilitation and Health Care, Tarkio, at the age of 90.

Besides her parents and husband, Lowell Beckman, Betty was preceded in death by sons, Michael and Douglas Beckman, and siblings, Johnny Dragoo and Mary Lou Broermann. Survivors include children, Phillip Beckman, Tarkio, Phyllis (Lyle) Brown, Rock Port, and Jill (Bryan) Caudill, Tarkio; grandchildren, Kristy (Donny) Noland, Jeff Beckman, Daniel Beckman, Jason (Laura) Baugh, Megan Culver, Melissa Culver, Amanda Culver, Emmy Laur, Kecia Caudill-Vant Hof and (Jed Vant Hof), Emilee Caudill, Grace Caudill, and Makenna Caudill; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Tarkio, conducted by Rev. Glenn Scott. Interment was at Home Cemetery, Tarkio. Memorials may be directed to Disabled American Veterans. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.