Leatrice E. Beckman

Leatrice E. “Leat” Beckman, 92, of St. Joseph, passed away, Wednesday, May 06, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Due to the current Covid-19 precautions, private family service and burial have been held at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial donations in Leatrice’s name may be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to sign Leat’s Memory Book online may do so at starks-menchinger.com. Leat was born July 21, 1927 in Benton Harbor to William & Marquita (Spangler) Fonger. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School, Class of 1945. On July 19, 1947, she married Frederick Beckman in St. Joseph at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. Leat worked for several years at V-M Corporation in Benton Harbor, from 1945-1953 she worked as a secretary at Auto Specialties, and retired from Heath-Zenith after twenty-two years in 1989. Leat was a long-time member of St. Peter’s Church where she sang in the choir. She cherished the time spent with her family and many friends, and enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Leat is survived by her children-Tracy Pendergrass of St. Joseph, Becky (Spencer) Johnson of St. Joseph, Frederick (Margie) Beckman of Bridgman; grandchildren-Courtney (Nathan) Phillips, Jeremy (Keelin) Johnson, Jay Pendergrass, Nicole Beckman, & Tyler Beckman; grand-daughter-in-law Samantha Pendergrass; great-grandchildren-Alexis & Bryce Pendergrass, Ellie & Fox Johnson, Jonah Phillips; and her special niece and long-time partner in crime, Linda Scherer of St. Joseph. She was preceded by her husband Fred in 2005, their daughter Rory Ann Beckman in 1968, and her grandson Dustin Pendergrass in 2011.