Elizabeth May Peck

Elizabeth May "Betty" Peck, age 85, of La Grande, died Friday, December 27, 2002 at the Grande Ronde Hospital.


A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 30, 2002 at 10:00 am at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with The Rev. M. Chotard Doll officiating. Private interment will be held later at the Hillcrest Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.


Mrs. Peck was born on May 8, 1917 in Fairfield, Idaho to John Roy and Eva (Neill) Martin. The family moved to La Grande when she was 14 years of age. In 1934 she graduated from La Grande High School and in 1936 she earned her degree in Humanities from Eastern Oregon Normal School. She worked at Eastern Oregon University as Secretary to every President from 1932 until her retirement in 1978. During those years she also served as the Faculty Secretary. The University was a very large and important part of her life which she continued to support after her retirement. She was a member of the Eastern Oregon University Alumni Organization and at one time traveled throughout the state as secretary of that organization. She was also a member of the Eastern Oregon University Foundation Board of Trustees.


On August 20, 1938 she married Elmer Milton Peck at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in La Grande. They made their home in La Grande and he preceded her in death on May 7, 2001. The Peck's were active members of the Grande Ronde Wheelers Good Sam Club and the local A.A.R.P. They also served as camp hosts for the Oregon State Parks for many years and enjoyed spending time camping with family and friends. They spent many of their retired years traveling throughout the county delivering Senior Meals and working at the Senior Center. She enjoyed being with family and friends.

Mrs. Peck was a lifetime member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church. She was active with the Alter Guild and St. Anne's Guild. For many years she served as the Clerk for the Vestry.

Mrs. Peck was a founding member of the Gamma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and was recognized last year for being a member for 66 years.


Survivors include her children, Ronald and Tina Peck of La Grande, Elizabeth and Charles Markworth of Foot Hill Ranch, California, Mary Jo and Terry Lemon of La Grande and Kathy and Ron Nantz of La Grande; brother, John Martin of Oakridge, Tennessee; grandchildren, Robert N. Markworth, John C. Markworth, Steven H. Peck, Lance D. Peck, Randy A. Peck, Laurie Morgan, Gregory J. Lemon, Jennifer A. Lemon, Shelly K. Kiser, Brenda E. Leavitt and Joseph L. Rudd; eight great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.


Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Peck to St. Peter's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund or the EOU Foundation in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.