Elli Keenan Beckley
Elli Beckley, 88, passed away in the company of her loving family on 10/27/2012 following a gradual decline in health. Born in Oxnard, CA, Elli grew up in Pasadena and participated actively in theater, Student Council and Safety Patrol. She was also a talented ice skater. As a child, Elli enjoyed collecting and studying rocks, but instead of pursuing Geology, she found her true vocation in teaching.
It was after attending UCLA and Berkeley Law School that she realized her passion resided in education, and she followed that path with the conviction that is her trademark- initially as a teacher at the Washoe Indian Reservation in Nevada where she dedicated herself to improving the lives of Native Americans.
In 1949, she interviewed with ARAMCO (the Arabian-American Oil Company) to teach in Saudi Arabia. And so she found herself, at 25, halfway across the world, living her dream of imparting knowledge to others in a culture that she came to understand and respect. There, she met and married Jack Beckley in 1953, who also worked for ARAMCO as an engineer. While still in Arabia, she gave birth to her two sons, Peter and Paul.
Though Jack passed away in 1971, Elli continued to dedicate herself to teaching here in Pasadena until the age of 67. Thereafter, she devoted her time and energy to her family, leaving a legacy of learning, laughter and love. Elli is survived by Peter and his wife Kim, and their sons, Jack and Tom, along with Paul and his wife, Suzy, and their daughters, Hannah and Haley.
In lieu of flowers donations will be accepted to the following for their educational program:
Washoe Tribe
919 US Hwy 395
Gardnerville, NV 89410