Agnes Doherty Beck

Agnes Doherty Beck, age 93, of Meridian and formerly of La Grande, died Sunday, February 12, 2006 in Meridian. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2006 at Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 17, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1002 "L" Street. Committal and interment will follow at the Hillcrest East Cemetery.

Mrs. Beck was born on August 17, 1912, the daughter of Irish immigrants Edward and Margery Doherty in New Plymouth, Idaho. On June 9, 1938 she married Maurice Beck in La Grande and together they raised three children, David, James and Maureen. From 1932 until 1938 she taught in rural schools such as Mt. Glen School House. From 1949 until 1967 she taught for the Elgin School District and from 1967 until 1976 she taught for the Hermiston School District at Sunset School. She was very devoted to her Catholic faith and lead rosaries for many years in Hermiston. She enjoyed oil and water color painting and writing short stories. She was recognized for her work with first grade students and that fact was published in the National Principals Magazine. She was a strong farmer's wife, cooking and helping around the farm. She was a past member of "Catholic Daughters" and was very active in Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Hermiston. She was a past member of the Oregon Educators Association and the National Educators Association.

Survivors include her children and their spouses, David and Anita Beck of Boise, Idaho and Maureen and Robert Coon of Nampa, Idaho; six grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice Beck, grandson, James Coon, son, James Beck, four brothers and four sisters.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Beck to the Right to Life Organization in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.