Verden and Letha Beck Student Aid Fund

Two individuals who rarely neglect the “little things,” Letha and Verden Beck are active, life long members of the Archbold, Ohio, community.

Verden, born in 1918, and Letha, born in 1922, belonged to rural farm families. Because they grew up in the same proximity and attended Central Mennonite Church in Archbold, they knew each other long before their courtship, which blossomed into marriage in 1940.

As newlyweds, the young couple faced harsh realities. Verden served a four-year term in Civilian Public Service during World War II. With a small, six-month-old child bouncing on her hip, Letha worked outside the home for additional financial support. Eventually Verden moved from training camp to his service site, a dairy farm, where the family joined him. After CPS ended, the Becks returned to Archbold.

Verden worked for 50 years at Sauder Woodworking, a nationally-known furniture manufacturer. Through the years, he worked his way up to a management position and retired as plant superintendent. Letha was a busy homemaker, tending to four children and community activities.

Currently, the Becks are active in the Archbold community. While their permanent residence is in Archbold, they spend summers in voluntary service at Little Eden Camp in Onekama, Michigan. There, Verden leads the maintenance crew and Letha helps with laundry, mending, and special projects. They regard retirement as an opportunity to volunteer part of their time for the church and community. Twelve grandchildren also keep them busy. In addition, Letha quilts and crochets, and Verden crafts stained-glass lamps.

The Becks are strong, dedicated, caring persons who appreciate life. In turn, they want to provide others with rich opportunity to further their education.