Montrue Jane (Dean) Beckett Baker was born April 21, 1933 in the Dean house, on the banks of the Leona River in Uvalde, to Sherman “Shorty” and Rhoda (Haygood) Dean. She passed away Friday, October 18, 2019 in Schertz. Jane grew up just outside Uvalde, where she attended school and graduated from Uvalde High School. She was active in school and church activities throughout her teenage years. In her senior year, her sister Faye, set Jane up on a blind date with Donald Beckett, who was the cousin of Faye’s husband, Lee Hawkes. Donald had just returned from the Army and swept Jane off her feet. After a whirlwind romance, Don and Jane married on October 7, 1950 in Uvalde. The couple moved to San Antonio, in the Harlandale area. Jane worked as a telephone operator for a short while but retired to be a full time homemaker. Jane gave birth to a son, Donald Sherman Beckett, in 1953, and three years later, in 1956, she was blessed with a daughter, Vicki Lynn Beckett. Jane cared for her family with love and dedication. Don joined the San Antonio Police Department and Jane joined the Police Wives Auxiliary, remaining an avid supporter throughout Don’s long career. Jane participated in her children’s school activities and was an amazing wife, nurse, taxi driver, cook, seamstress, cheerleader and disciplinarian. As a matter of fact, she was a “Jack-of-all-trades”. There wasn’t much she wouldn’t do, or at least attempt to do. Due to Jane’s wonderful hospitality, the Beckett home was always known as the “coffee shop & conversation location” for all their many friends and neighbors. Throughout her life, Jane remained close with her parents and sister. Family get-togethers, at the farm in Uvalde, occurred often and always included plenty of food, fun and conversation. Jane loved her family and loved getting together with them. In 1971, her son Donnie married Patsy Holt. This marriage gave Jane the opportunity to become Memaw, with three wonderful grandchildren; Bob, Keith and Cheri. In 1979, her daughter Vicki married Todd Williamson, and soon gave her two more beautiful and beloved grandchildren; Wanda Lynn and Clinton Todd. Don retired from the SAPD in 1982. After a short time of retirement, Don and Jane were offered the opportunity to share foreman responsibilities at the Hashknife Ranch in Sabinal. Don and Jane quickly adapted to ranch life on several thousand acres and loved everything about it. Feeding cows, checking fences and especially watching the wildlife (Again, that “Jack-of-all-trades” worked out for her). Don passed away on July 14, 1993, after battling lung cancer, and Jane moved to a different Hashknife Ranch in Uvalde to be close to her mother. Following the passing of her mother, Jane decided it was time to be closer to her children and grandchildren. So, she chose La Vernia as a place to build herself a house. Jane loved the Lord and served The Church of Christ throughout her life. The members of the La Vernia Church of Christ quickly welcomed her into their family. Every church needs a “Martha”, and Jane was that person! She was always ready to wait on others and share her gift of hospitality. Sarah and Marcie became her close friends and constant support. Jane also loved to travel. She and Don traveled to national parks with Faye and Lee Hawkes. After Don’s passing, she made trips to Colorado with good friends and her family members; Joyce, Lois and Sherry. She made several trips with Donnie and Patsy, including a “Trip of a Lifetime” to the New England states and an Alaskan cruise. In April 2005, while working on her Uvalde High School reunion, Jane connected with high school classmate, J.R. Baker, who had recently lost his wife. After dating for a short time, J.R. and Jane were married on September 17, 2005. Jane welcomed his children, Bill, Marsha, Mary, Melissa, their spouses, and his many grandchildren, into her life. J.R. and Jane lived for a short time in Georgetown, but soon moved back to La Vernia. Their love for each other made them inseparable for 14 years. They continued to travel to visit his children, enjoy their church and care for each other through good times and bad. J.R. faithfully loved and cared for Jane throughout the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Jane was blessed in her lifetime to love and be loved by many, to see her family continue to grow with births, and marriages, of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jane was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Faye Hawkes; husband, Donald Edmond Beckett. She is survived by her husband. J.R. Baker Jr.; son, Donald Sherman Beckett and wife Patsy; daughter, Vicki Lynn Williamson and husband Todd; grandchildren, Robert “Bob” Beckett and wife Kasey, Keith Beckett and wife Harriet, Cheri Papke and husband David, Wanda Lynn Robinson and husband Jason and Clinton Todd Williamson and wife Bethany; great-grandchildren, Ryan Beckett, Walker Beckett, Hannah Papke, Addelyn Robinson, Brinley Robinson, Luke Williamson and Rhett Williamson; stepchildren, Bill and Paula Baker, Marsha & Mark Rhodes, Mary & Greer Yeldell, Melissa & Jim Knotts; many step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2019 from 10am to 11am at the La Vernia Church of Christ, 131 Industrial Lane, La Vernia.

FUNERAL SERVICE
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
11am
La Vernia Church of Christ

Mr. Keith Johanson will officiate at the service. A committal service will take place at 3pm at the Sabinal Cemetery in Sabinal. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jane’s name to the La Vernia Church of Christ or to the Alzheimer’s Association.