Norma Dorrice Beck

Beautiful, blessed, and beloved Norma Dorrice Hedgpeth Beck was born May 21,1927 in Hico, Texas, and passed from her earthly home on March 7, 2016 at the age of 88 to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” As the daughter of a public school teacher/administrator, Dorrice lived in several towns throughout central Texas during her childhood and graduated from Gatesville High School in 1943, having just turned 16. She professed her faith in Jesus Christ on September 29, 1940 and remained a member of the Presbyterian Church throughout her life. Shortly after her graduation, she began working at Fort Hood as a dental assistant and moved to Coleman County in 1945 where she worked for the A.S.C.S. in Coleman and met her future husband, Hal Beck, a lifelong rancher, who had just returned from serving a three-year tour of duty in the U. S. Army in Europe during World War II. They were married on August 3, 1946 and shared life together for 56 years until death parted them on September 10, 2002, when Hal passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Hal and Dorrice Beck were a well-known and well-respected Coleman County couple, and Dorrice’s happiest days were spent on the ranch where she and Hal raised their three children, whom they loved deeply and unconditionally. Dorrice spent many hours through the years transporting three active children over dusty ranch roads to and from countless school and community activities, devoting herself tirelessly and sacrificially to their happiness and well-being. With the prospect of having three children in college, Dorrice began commuting to work in Brownwood in 1966 for a short time and then began her 25-year career at First National Bank in Ballinger where she retired as Vice-President in 1992. Following Hal’s death, she moved to San Angelo where she resided at Royal Estates for three years, then moved to Baptist Retirement Community where she spent her final years. Dorrice lived her life with faith, strength, determination, and grace through the Depression, the Drought of the 1950’s, and other difficult times, including the heartbreaking loss of her youngest child and beloved son, Zane, in 2012. Despite every hardship, she remained optimistic and thankful, often saying, “I am so very blessed.” Her life’s purpose was to be the most loving wife, mother, and grandmother possible, and she succeeded beyond measure in accomplishing that goal. She leaves her family a legacy of love and devotion—and memories of a life defined by goodness and faithfulness—to cherish and hold in our hearts forever. Survivors include two daughters, Cherry Wells and her husband Jim Roy of Friona and Cindy Maedgen and husband James of San Angelo. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Paula Beck of Lindale, three grandchildren, Dara Knobloch and husband Keith of Seabrook, Jason Wells and wife Pat of Friona, and Brody Maedgen and wife Jordan of Houston, as well as seven great-grandchildren: Cody and Wellsley Knobloch, Alek and Avril Wells, and Carter,Charlotte, and Coleman Maedgen. Also left to cherish her memory are her brother, Harold Hedgpeth and wife Anne of Spring Branch and several nieces. Family visitation will be from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Harper Funeral Home on Friday, March 11, 2016. The Graveside Service will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Valera Cemetery with Pastor Taylor Sandlin officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Meals for the Elderly, West Texas Boys’ Ranch, or to the donor’s favorite charity. Family and friends may sign share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.