Zella Marie Beckman

Zella Marie Beckman (Long)
May 23, 1938 - July 6, 2022
Our beloved wife, mother and grandma passed away on 7/6/22. As in all things in her life, she fought cancer with energy, stoicism and grace. Zella was born and raised in Loup City, Nebraska. She was a precocious child, reading early and helping to teach other kids at her school. Her Mom was the Sherman County Superintendent of Schools after her Dad, a member of the Nebraska House of Representatives, died when she was only 4. She dreamed of going to college in a time when this was far from the norm. As in most things, Zella succeeded in this goal. She attended the University of Nebraska where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language. Zella used her degree to help elementary children as a speech therapist in the Rio Linda and San Juan school districts for 30 years. She loved her students.
While attending UNL, Zella met a handsome man who was also interested in education, Wayne Beckman. They were lifelong sweethearts, partners and Husker fans. They moved to California in 1960. Their love was a pleasure to be around.
Throughout her life Zella was always on the move. She was at different times President of Northern Californians for Nebraska (and made an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy by the Governor), President of LARK (a horse riding club), in the choir of Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, member of a Vikings group and La Sierra art group, volunteer at Mustard Seeds, docent at the California Governor s mansion, took her dog Cody to hospitals as a comfort animal, part of Folsom Lake patrol, a member of Willow Creek tennis club where she made lifelong friends, volunteer for vacation bible school, and many many other activities. She made a wonderful home for her family, raised 2 daughters and helped raise 4 grandchildren. Throughout it all, Zella welcomed family and friends for holidays, dinner or a glass of wine on the back porch. All were welcome at her table. It was a pleasure to find her with a paintbrush in her hand or to see her riding in the fields behind her house on her beloved horse Jesse. May she be somewhere now riding again.
During her senior year of high school, Zella volunteered at the Loup City hospital, contracted hepatitis and couldn t work to finance her freshman year of college. Someone in her hometown made an anonymous loan at the local bank for her 1st year college tuition. She always remembered that life changing kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations are being made to fund a scholarship for Loup City student s college expenses. https://gofund.me/fc757195
Celebration of life to be held 8/26/22 at 11am at the Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church (11427 Fair Oaks Blvd). All are welcome.