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Rita Beecroft Obituary
2007, and returned to the arms of her sweetheart, Carl. She was born March 23, 1935 in Mesa, AZ., the daughter of Hyrum Smith and Lorale Hancock. She attended Mesa High School where she was involved in Student Government and was a roper with the Rabbettes. She attended ASU where she met and married the love of her life, Carl J Beecroft, Jr. in the Mesa LDS Temple on Oct. 6, 1955. They moved to Ventura California in 1970, and lived a fulfilled life there for 22 years. They returned to Arizona in 1992. Her life centered around her family and her church. She served those around her tirelessly. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl (2004); her daughter Carla; and her son Scotty. She is also preceded in death by her father, her brother Hyrum Smith Hancock Jr.; her sisters: Sylvia Morris and Patsy Graham. She is survived by her daughters: Debi Lassen (John), Camarillo, CA, Julie Herron (Scott), Mesa, AZ, Pam Flake (Shon), Snowflake, AZ, Lisa Jackson (John), Mesa, AZ, and Jackie Park (Leslie), Sahuarita, AZ; son Jonathon Beecroft (Lucy), Maricopa, AZ; 37 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Her mother, and brother Doug Hancock, Mesa, AZ, also survives her. Services will be held Friday, Dec. 21, 2007 at 10:00 am in the Mesa 20th Ward, Westwood Chapel, 848 N. Westwood in Mesa. Visitations will be from 9:00-10:00 am in the Relief Society Room. Interment in the Mesa City Cemetery. Meldrum Mortuary handled the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 3800 N Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rita Beecroft
Daliah Flake
January 10, 2008
I am glad I had her for the time I her. I hope I can become the woman she was. I loved her very much.
Else Endecott
January 6, 2008
I will miss visitng "Beecroft Hotel" and all the laughing and smiling that went on when we stayed there with Grandma. She was such a wonderful example of love and unselfishness and I will deeply miss her. I will especially miss her hugs and smiles. I know she is happy where she is and that is what gives me comfort and joy. Particularly that she is with my sweet grandpa.
Scott Spendlove
January 3, 2008
My deepest sympathies to the Beecroft family. President and Sister Beecroft had a positive influence on my life as a young man and I'm grateful for that.
DeLene Henrie Ward
January 1, 2008
Dear Family of Carl and Rita Beecroft. I was shocked to learn of Rita's death. I had planned to visit her this summer since my husband Reese Ward died. Please know she has been in my thoughts and prayers so often. I include you in those prayers and have such fond memories of Argyle's service in the bishopric with Carl in the 2nd ward and Rita's sweet patience and love for her family. Know you are loved by your heavenly father and by me as well. May the Lord grant you all peace and comfort. Lovingly,
Tony and Joy Huffaker
December 26, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. We know your parents are so happy to back together again.
Gary,Sylvia,Dan,Pam,Ingrid,Erich Schaupp
December 26, 2007
Dear Beecroft Family,
We send our love to you all. We love your parents so much. They will always hold a very special place in our hearts. We have such fond memories of when the family was in Ventura, California. If we can emulate their lives, than we will be better people indeed.
Love, The Schaupp Family
Rod and Linda Brown & family
December 25, 2007
Debi, We are sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. We didn't know her but we know you, so she must have been terrific. Our prayers are with you.
Lori Jones
December 22, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. We are so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. We appreciate the great legacy your parents have left, and the service your parents gave our stake. Our love and prayers are with you,
Greg and Lori Jones and family
Jeannie Beebe
December 22, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. What a sweet lady she was.
Jeannie Beebe and family.
Susan Bickmore Hunter
December 22, 2007
Dear Beecroft Children,
I was so sad to read of the passing of your sweet mother, and to also learn that Bishop Beecroft had left us several years ago. I have always had such fond memories of your family, and the service they gave to the 3rd ward. My prayers are with all of you.
Elaine (Hay) Garza
December 22, 2007
Debbie, Julie, Pam, Lisa, Jackie & John
Your parents are wonderful people & I'm sure you find peace in the knowledge that they are together forever. It's hard to be seperated for a time but I am sure you have no doubt as to where they are. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Remembering Sister Beecroft with love,
Roberta and Robert Goodman
December 22, 2007
Debi and Beecroft family,
We are so saddened to hear of the loss of your dear, sweet Mother. We cherish our friendship with her. We extend our sincere sympathy, prayers and love to you and your family and the Beecroft family.
Roberta and Bob Goodman
Katie Willette
December 21, 2007
Debi, Julie, Pam, Lisa, Jackie, Jon...What a great life story you gave today. I feel so lucky to have such great neices and nephew. Your Mom would have been so proud of you today and am sure she was near by making sure you followed her directions. I love you guys!!! Aunt Katie
Tom & Linda Foster
December 21, 2007
What beautiful and sacred memories of the dear Beecrofts. Everything good and uplifting. We are grateful for the lasting impact they have had on our lives. I remember Carl sharing the story of the birth and death of their children at the hospital. This is the ultimate story of their faith.
Tom & Lorraine Shilton
December 21, 2007
We offer our love, prayers and sympathy to the family as you celebrate the wonderful and exemplary life of Rita Beecroft. She and Carl were good friends to us in so many ways. We especially cherish the memories of traveling with them to Mexico and to the Holy Land, and during the last two years with Rita to the Mediteranean and the Black Sea.
Janet Grant
December 20, 2007
we have wonderful memoriesand our lives have been made better because of your friendship with your mother and father, we loved your mother and dad very much..may your family have peace in knowing that our families can be forever... we love you all.
Linda Bradbury (Stewart)
December 20, 2007
I am shocked and so sorry to hear of Rita's passing. I have many, many fond memories of your wonderful family while you lived in Ventura. I was a visiting teacher to your mom, Julie and Pam. Your mother was always an inspiration to me and everyone she met. Know that she is very happy with her "sweetie". Your family is in my prayers.
MYRNA MELCHIOR
December 20, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of the passing
of your mom and a good friend.
I have fond memories of Rita and Carl and Debbie, Julie, Lisa, Jackie, Pam
and Johnny. My prayers and sincere
thoughts are with you at this time and may God bless you and strengthen you in days to come.
Gary Wilde
December 20, 2007
Dear Beecroft Family,
Cheryl and I express our condolences to you family. We will always cherish the example of your mother and father. What a couple.
Cathy Robbins
December 20, 2007
We wish to send our love to the family and share in the lost of such a wonderful sister. We loved you dad and mother very much.
Cathy Robbins *Birmingham & Patti Birmingham, Santa Paula Ward
Andy Oshita
December 20, 2007
To the Beecroft Family:
When we moved to Ventura in 1976 from Hawaii your father was the Bishop of the Ventura 3rd Ward. We immediately took to him and your mother who we felt was to be a great "ward mother." We will always remember her patience and smile that was always present. You all were certainly blessed to have been sent into a family with two great and loving parents. What great joy it must have been when your Mom was able to be with your father once again. They were meant for each other. Take care and know that they are receiving their "rewards" for being valiant servants of our Heavenly Father and Savior.
Aloha, Andy and Marcia Oshita
Don & Marsha Pyne
December 20, 2007
Dear Beecroft Family:
We loved your mom & dad. We all looked up to them not only as spiritual individuals but as a loving devoted couple. They will be missed but never forgotten. As a Stake Pres.your dad invited Marsha to come to his office & said by the way bring Don. Using that ploy he then called me to serve as Bishop of the IV Ward in 1984. Our love to you all, Don & Marsha Pyne
Ann Schlange
December 20, 2007
What wonderful memories I have of the Beecroft family. Pete felt a wonderful friendship in building your Ventura home, and the love and guidance of both Rita and Carl is deeply treasured
Richard Bryce
December 20, 2007
We are so saddened to hear of the loss of your sweet mother. Rita was such a wonderful person and example to us. Our love and prayers go out to all of you.
Dick and Loretta Bryce
Carla (Forelich) Stutz
December 20, 2007
Debbie, Julie, Pam, Lisa, Jackie, and John,
I was so sad to hear of your mom's passing. She was a wonderful woman in every way. How blessed you are to have had her for your mother. My thoughts are with you.
Taryn Choate
December 20, 2007
I'm sorry to hear of Rita's passing, but I know she is finding pure joy now as she is back with her husband and children once again. I had the privilege of being around Rita a few times and she always had a smile on her face and was full of joy. She is the mother of very wonderful children and the grandmother of wonderful grandchildren . . . may you all find peace at this time.
Love,
Taryn Choate
Michelle Carter
December 20, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear mother .
I remember her with great love.
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