Mildred Beckley

Mildred C. Beckley, age 99 of Sauk Centre, died Sunday, April 14, 2013 at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls, Minnesota.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 18 at First United Church of Christ in Sauk Centre with Rev. James Clausen officiating. Entombment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Mildred Cristina Smith was born July 29, 1913 in Culdrum Township, Morrison County, Minnesota to Gerhard and Elna (Freeman) Smith. In October of 1940 she married Joseph C. "Cliff" Beckley in Brainerd, Minnesota. Mildred taught school in Melrose for 11 years and started a program to help senior citizens with their taxes. She also was owner and operator of Beckley's Resort on Sauk Lake until 1976. Mildred enjoyed braiding rugs and playing cards.

She was a member of Sauk Centre Senior Citizens and former head of the Foster Grandparent Program.

Survivors include her children, Teresa "Terri" (James) Cota of Fischers, IN and Richard (Joann) Beckley of Sauk Centre; grandchildren, Karin and Scott Cota; step-grandchildren, Tammy, Tonette and Robyn; and great-grandchildren, Harrison and Gillian Cota.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph "Cliff" Beckley; infant grandson; infant son; brother and sisters, Alice Barten, LaVern Baleau, and Rudolph Smith.

Serving as casket bearers will be Brian McCoy, Dan McCoy, Tom McCoy, Mark McCoy, Marty McCoy, and Matt McCoy.