1925
2014
Ralph R. Beckett (1925-2014)
On February 12th, 2014 Ralph R. Beckett, received his wings for God's squadron of angles, He truly loved to fly for business and pleasure, especially flying the Baja and going to his place in Punta Final, where he and our mom, Irene would spend many days enjoying the sun and surf.
Ralph Roland Beckett (1925-2014) went to join Irene Beckett (1925-2007), his wife for 65 years in the hereafter. Ralph spent his last years in the care of Yuma Nursing Home and his last 2 weeks with the help of Hospice of Yuma, all of whom we want to thank for their loving help.
Ralph came to Arizona in 1925, the year of his birth in Greenville, Texas, with his mother and older brother Howard, following their father Ralph E. Beckett, where they eventually lived in the Bard area where Ralph senior worked for the USDA and helped build the Yuma Arid Desert Experimental Farm now known as the Monkey Farm. At the farm they planted miniature coconuts and other exotic plants, strangely enough all of the plants grew except the Coconuts. The story is that 2 monkeys dug them up and ate them, Ralph and Howard were said to have spent a lot of time looking for the monkeys, but never found them. Ralph went to school in Yuma attending Yuma High School before marrying his sweet heart and joining the U.S. Army in 1943. Once in the Army he volunteered for the Army Air Corps, where he became a pilot and eventually a trainer in the B25 Bombers. After the war he returned to Yuma and while working for Beeler and Thomas Equipment some time in 1947 he and Dean Haughtelin started B&H Refrigeration Company. As the company grew Ralph became the sole owner and grew it with Dean and many others helped it grow into one of the oldest and best Refrigeration Companies in the southwest area.
Ralph was also known for racing cars from High School Model A's and B's, in the 1940's with other young mechanically inclined students at Yuma High school (darn those Hansberger Boys) to Micro Midgets in the 1950's to drag cars and stock cars in the 1960's to Dwarf Cars in the 1980's and Sand Drag cars in the 1990's.
Ralph also loved flying and was one of the early members of Yuma Soaring Club. He and Ken Hansberger, with lots of help from others, built a High Performance Glider which they both flew once and then sold. After that he started picking up small planes for towing the gliders and flying for fun and business in central Arizona and California and for fun into Mexico, down both sides of Gulf of California especially to Punta Final in the south end of Gonzaga Bay where they had a cabin on the beach. Ralph continued to run B&H until 1997 when he retired to take care of Irene until her passing in 2007. Ralph continued as the Chairman of the board at B&H.
Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Ula Lee Beckett; his father, Ralph Edwin Beckett; his older brother, Howard Beckett; his grandsons, Dale Beckett and David French. He is survived by his youngest brother John Beckett; Ralph's daughter, Ellen (Beckett) French (husband John); sons, Tim Beckett (wife Evelyn), Robert Beckett (wife Mona), Rodney Beckett, Mark Beckett; 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Thank you Dad, you are #1 and we all love you.
At Ralph's request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations or gifts to Hospice of Yuma.Arrangements under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park, Yuma, AZ.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 3, 2014
Raymond Corona
My condolences to the Beckett family, Mr. Beckett was a wonderful gentleman. I have always appreciated his kindness and gentle soul.
ray corona
February 28, 2014
Mark Avery
I attended school with Rodney, and to this day remember him getting his license for flying at age fourteen. Condolences to all the family in your time of deep loss.
February 27, 2014
Charles Saltzer
Ralph was a SPECIAL person in my life. I also had the honor of meeting his wife. Ralph was always a good neighbor of te Marine Corps Air Sation and was always a supported of the USA. I picked up Ralph and took him to the Experimental Aircraft Association evening meetings for a years which gave me many good hours of conversation. I visited Ralph a few days before he died. When I walked in he was sitting in a chair with his eyes closed. When I addressed him those same shinning eyes opened and even though he never spoke I believe we had a wonderful conversation. I know he was just waiting for a final clearance to push the trottles forward and complete his mission.
February 27, 2014
We love and miss you Grandpa. Thank you for giving us a wonderful family with so many wonderful memories. Tell Grandma, Uncle Howard, Grandpa Buster, David, Aunt Tammy, and baby Dale hello for us and give them a big hug. Until we all get to see each other again, lots of love
Your granddaughter, Kim
February 27, 2014
Chuck & Jane Johnson
Almost 50 years ago Ralph helped me finish the keg at my wedding reception while giving me advice on my new life. It worked as we are still together today. Thanks Ralph - R.I.P.
February 26, 2014
Buddy & Judy Hyatt
Sending our love, thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Ralph was a special man and will be dearly missed. It was our pleasure to be part of the B & H Team, as well as, the recipient of Ralph's kindness and giving. We will cherish our MANY wonderful memories. May God hold each one of you tightly in His loving arms as you walk through this dark valley.
February 26, 2014
Frank and Lupe Hernandez
Our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the Beckett family. May God's love bring you comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 26, 2014
Frank and Lupe Hernandez
Our most sincere condolences to the Beckett family. May the love of family and friends bring you peace and comfort. God bless.
February 24, 2014
Lina Lopez
May GOD bless each and every one in the family. My prayers are with you.
B &H will never be the same with out papa Beckett. He will be missed!! Love you all!!
February 19, 2014
Albert and Linda Villa
We had the honor of being part of the B &H family. We send our deepest condolences to all the Beckett family. Ralph has truly earned his wings. God bless you.
February 18, 2014
kay spencer
sorry to hear about your loss, Ralph was my fav. customer to wait on at Bubba"s. He was a very nice person. we all loved him. He will be missed.
February 18, 2014
Tiffany Gurrola
February 17, 2014
Gina Carrillo
MARK, Diana, Kristy and family,
I didn't know your Dad/Grandpa, but judging from his legacy and his family, I'd say he was pretty amazing. Condolences and prayers at this difficult time.
February 17, 2014
Michelle (French) Sandstedt
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family. It was an honor to be apart of his family. Rest in peace Ralph
February 16, 2014
Donna and Steve Beckett Prinke
We have such fond memories growing up with our Uncle Ralph. What fun times we had! Love to my cousins during this difficult time.
February 16, 2014
RICHARD AND BETH MUHLENPOH
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
February 16, 2014
Laura Rather
My sincere sympathies to the entire Beckett family
February 16, 2014
Bob, Ellen, Tim, Rodney and Mark,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. As our customer and friend for over 40 years, we will always remember his big smile and good nature. He was a true gentleman !
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Martha and Ellis Taylor (Bet-Ko Air)
February 16, 2014
Meeting and working with Mr Beckett over the years as a fellow sub contractor was an enjoyable and learning experience. His company and other local companies such as the Hansbergers made working in Yuma a "family " thing. Another era has passed. Safe flying Mr Beckett !
Bob Corbett
February 16, 2014
Ron and Kathy Beckett
Uncle Ralph was a wonderful man. As kids and teens our family would have such great times together. I hope Ralph and Howard have found each other and are flying the great heavenly air machines in the sky!! We hope that Uncle John and all our cousins and
their families know how much Ralph was loved. Peace to all your hearts in this tough time. Ralph is now a part of everything.
With All Our Love, Ron and Kathy
February 16, 2014
Ron Knight
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 16, 2014
Sherri Magana
To the family: Growing up with both my parents John and Betty Robbins working for B&H, Mr. Beckett treated everyone like family. I cherish all the memories of El Gulfo, Desert exploring, and BBQS. With deepest regards I am sorry that your Father, Grandpa has pasted.
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Funeral services provided by:
Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park1415 South 1st Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more