Maxine (Telford) Beckstead of Salt Lake City, passed away peacefully at home, on October 1, 2024, under the loving care of her family .
Born in Idaho Falls, Idaho in September 1931 to her parents, Winona and Byron Telford, she was one of six children. Childhood days were full of academic pursuits, home responsibilities, church activities, fun times with her neighborhood friends. She and her sisters were well taught, nurtured and cared for, not only by their mother, but their Grandmother and Aunt Norma as well.
She attended Brigham Young University, graduating with a degree in elementary education. It was there she met her future husband, John Wesley Beckstead and they were married and sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 25, 1953. John attended dental school in Cleveland Ohio, where Maxine taught elementary school. Upon graduation they made their home in Northern California where they raised their 3 children, Debbie, Mark and Paul.
Maxine had many talents and passions and shared them with all around her. She was the epitome of elegance, grace and style, with a flair for making everything beautiful. Always the gracious hostess, she loved gathering people together and entertaining them in her home, with her infamous ‘themed’ parties. Without fail, there were always decorations in Maxine’s home for every holiday!
She was known as a good friend, with a bright smile, and her thoughtful acts of service and remembrance brought great comfort to many. She made it a lifetime pursuit to focus on the worth of souls ..….“Remember the worth of souls is great in the eyes of God.” D&C 18:10
However, her greatest legacy was her service to church, community and family.
Throughout her life she faithfully served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Primary, Relief Society, and Young Women organizations. She also served in the Temple and was a hostess for the General Church Office Building. She thoughtfully magnified her callings with absolute dedication, time and effort, always going the extra mile. Her favorite service was working directly with young children, benefitting them with her love and joy of teaching.
She had a great love of the arts and was an avid patron of the Ballet, Opera, Symphony and Musical Theatre.
For many years, she energetically volunteered in leadership roles with Utah Symphony Guild, Classic Club, Opera Appreciation Club, Daughter of the Utah Pioneers.
She deeply loved her family and received much joy from staying close to them and being involved in their lives. She relished opportunities to be with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and never forgot a birthday, or special occasion. Family gatherings and traditions were important, and thoughtful tireless effort went into making them memorable and meaningful for everyone over the many years.
She is preceded in death by:
John Wesley Beckstead (husband)
Winona and Byron Telford (parents)
Keith and Max Telford, Afton (Ball), Harriet (Woolley)- (siblings)
She is survived by :
Her 3 children: Debbie (& Paul) Grewal, Mark(&Kevin) Beckstead, Paul Beckstead
Her 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren
Her sister Joanne Stone
Donations can be made to:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Department.
Philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org
Funeral Service:
Friday October 11, 2024
11am
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
225 West 500 North
Salt Lake City, Utah 84103
Internment:
Saturday Oct. 12, 2024
12 noon
Rosehill Cemetery
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Those wishing to watch the COMPLETED service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/4TwKaYYe5l68OWCGvSSH0oE5c_dwWKDUaeAsuoU2qPO-ZSllAbtDF9s6Rq8-Xh5f.voZ0Sl11Xwu9lUsT?startTime=1728664231000
Guestbook/Condolences
Debbie, Mark and Paul, my deepest sympathies go out to you at this time of your loss of your sweet mom. I am grateful to have crossed paths with your family years ago. I remember your mom to be really together and to be very kind and friendly to me and our family. I hope you find joy as you reflect on all your great memories with your mom. I hope that that the memorial services bring you all closer Much love to you, Monte and Donna Smith.
Dear Debbie, Mark and Paul,
I was saddened to learn of your mom's passing. I remember her as such a kind, gracious, beautiful lady who shared her love, testimony and your home so willingly with those around her. It has been many years since we were all together in the Menlo Park Ward, but in some ways, it seems like only yesterday. I cherish the many fond memories of time spent in your home and with you and your family growing up. Please know that my heartfelt and deep sympathy and prayers are with you and your families now and in the days ahead.
With love and sympathy, Joy
Dear Beckstead family,
We are saddened to hear of Maxine’s passing, though she lived a long and wonderful life, and is rejoicing with loved ones on the other side. We remember Maxine fondly as an elegant and gracious woman, and dear friend of our late mother, Judith. She was a beloved member of the Menlo Park Ward, and we cherish our memories of her.
Much love and condolences, the children of Ralph and Judith Stewart
Leica, Kimberley, Bradley, Amanda, and Jonathan
Dear Paul,
I have great admiration for your loyal care of Maxine. May the time you spent enrich your life.
Dear Beckstead family. I knew your sweet beautiful mother not only from Menlo Park ward but at Zions Summit .We many times would meet at Abravenel Hall for concerts with Marilyn Lindsey, and Rita Smith.
Milton & I left Menlo Park ward in 1979 as well. May she have a wonderful reunion with all her dear friends now that she has graduated. Love to you her family. June Homer
Dear Beckstead family. I knew your sweet beautiful mother not only from Menlo Park ward but at Zions Summit .We many times would meet at Abravenel Hall for concerts with Marilyn Lindsey, and Rita Smith.
Milton & I left Menlo Park ward in 1979 as well. May she have a wonderful reunion with all her dear friends now that she has graduated. Love to you her family. June Homer
I have fond memories of Sister Beckstead as one of my early Mutual teachers. She was such a caring teacher and created a beautiful sewing basket for each of us full of her handmade touches, a gift I have used throughout my life. My heartfelt sympathies go to all of her family.