Mary Linda "Lin" Beckham

TOLEDO — Mary Linda “Lin” (Maurer) Beckham, 88, passed away at Ayden Healthcare, Waterville, Ohio, in the early morning hours of March 16, 2025, from complications of Alzheimer’s.

She was born in Rockford, Mercer County, Ohio, on April 12, 1936, to Carl W. and Ola (Linn) Maurer, who preceded her in death.

After graduating from Rockford High School in 1954, she attended Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, where she met her future husband, James D. Beckham, while he was attending the seminary and she was working toward her teaching degree. They were married during their senior year and lived in Westerville, Ohio, where three of their four sons were born.

With a family of six, and living on a pastor’s salary, Lin became an expert on budgeting, planning meals, canning and freezing. She was renowned for her culinary skills, never hesitating to try a new recipe she felt her family would enjoy. Lin found solace in gardening; the beauty of her flower gardens were so stunning, people walking or driving by often stopped to talk to her. She enjoyed the outdoors, feeding the birds, singing in the church choir, antiques, tent-camping vacations, reading daily devotions and family traditions.

One of her greatest joys was being with family. For decades, she’d host family gatherings, often during the holidays. She was the perfect hostess, making sure there’d be activities available from the youngest grandchild to the oldest guest, and that meals and desserts contained something for everyone, from dietary restrictions to even the most finicky eater. And being the well-organized list-maker she was, she’d keep detailed notes and tuck them into a drawer to refer to next year.

Her family moved to Michigan after her husband was called to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Westland and where her sons spent most of their childhood years. Lin began her teaching career here as a kindergarten teacher, her children often helping her with projects for her classroom. By the late 70’s, Pastor Beckham was called to Calvary Lutheran Church, Northwood, Ohio, and Lin began teaching at Calvary Christian School in Toledo. They eventually both retired and lived out the remainder of their lives in the Toledo area.

Lin is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, David (Shelly) Beckham of Pickerington, Ohio, John (Carie) Beckham of Sylvania, Ohio, and Paul (Julie) Beckham of West Palm Beach, Florida; daughter-in-law, Nancy Beckham, Michigan; sisters, Elaine Dull of Rockford, Ohio, and Myrna Henn, New Haven, Indiana; grandchildren, Faith, Mary, Anne, Jeff, Joanna, Daniel, Sara, John, Deanna and Kellan; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband in 2012; eldest son, Mark Beckham in 2010; brother, Paul, in infancy; sister, Romaine Minyoung; and granddaughter, Denise.

Lin was well loved. There is not a son, sibling, grandchild or daughter-in-law who was not impacted by her selflessness, her kindness, and her genuine love for us all. We are all better people for having her in our lives and will cherish the many wonderful memories she bestowed.

There will be no service. Donations may be made in her memory to Epiphany Lutheran Church, 915 N. Reynolds Road, Toledo, Ohio, 43615.