Karen Gayle Holdridge
Karen was born January 16, 1947, in Duncan, OK to James Arlis and Myrna Lavern Holdridge, and went home to be with her Lord on October 21, 2025. Teaching was her life’s calling, and she was truly gifted at it. She received her Bachelor of Science from East Central State University in Ada, OK, followed by her Master’s in Special Education from Texas Tech University in 1975. Her mission as a teacher was to make a difference in the life of every child she taught and help them achieve their goals. She was forgiving, non-judgmental, caring, supportive and gracious. She would always give you her time and a listening ear, no matter the circumstances. This is why she became one of the most cherished teachers and mentors at Weld Central High School where she started teaching Special Education in 1979. Karen sponsored Spirit club and Student Council. She also taught at the Alternative School and did night school until her retirement in 2011.
Her other loves included music and singing. She sang with Sweet Adelines Choir and traveled with them to various destinations and competitions throughout the years. She brought joy through song to family and friends at special occasions. Karen also directed music for special performances by the Community Choir at the Keenesburg Methodist Church and Heart of the Plains Cemetery during the Memorial Day Celebration. She cherished music deeply.
Karen possessed the most radiant smile and shared it freely. She had a loving spirit that never spoke unkindly about anyone. She will be profoundly missed by her family and all those fortunate enough to have known her and called her friend.
She is preceded in death by her mother, father, stepmother, stepsister, and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by her brother-in-law Jim Lamberson, nephews Jeff Lamberson (Melissa), Ed Lamberson (Donna), and Bryan Lamberson, along with numerous cousins and extended family members.
A Celebration of Life was held November 8, 2025, at the Methodist Church in Keenesburg, CO at 2pm.
Marilyn Marie Beckel
Marilyn Marie Beckel, age 79, passed away on October 20, 2025, in Brighton, Colorado, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 17, 1946, in Greeley, Colorado to Matthies and Mariam (Strauch) Ley. Marilyn grew up in Kuner and Hudson, Colorado. She graduated from Weld Central High School in 1964 and then went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Donald Beckel on August 9, 1964, at Zoar Church in Prospect Valley. The two remained married for the next 61 years and started a beautiful family of four.
Marilyn loved to be in the kitchen. To her family, she was known as the best cook and baker in the world. She was a hard worker, a wonderful seamstress, and an exceptional decorator. Her home was always tidy and in order, which boasted her personal touch all throughout the family home. She maintained a beautiful garden, especially her flowers. She was a woman of faith and always made sure her family was taken care of. Growing up with a modest upbringing, Marilyn always ensured her kids had every opportunity she did not. She enriched her kids’ lives with many extracurricular activities and was always their biggest fan as she cheered them on from the stands or drove them long miles to practice. She raised her children with faith, as they routinely attended church every Sunday. When you walked into Marilyn’s home you could count on hearing either the hum of her dough maker or her sewing machine, for her creative talents were always at work for her family.
Marilyn is survived by, her husband, Donald Lee Beckel of Keenesburg, CO. By her son, Ronald (Linda) Beckel of Strausburg. Daughter, Brenda (Steve) Pippin of Keenesburg, CO. Brother, Martin (Chris) Ley of Brush, CO, and eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is preceded in death by both parents, Matthies and Miriam (Strauch) Ley. By her sister, Marjorie (Tony) Dowdy, and grandson, Brady Beckel.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 beginning at 11:00am at Fourway Baptist Church, 9966 Co Rd 41, Fort Lupton, CO 80621.
