Martha Lee Beckwith (née Volkmer), age 88, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, in Westlake, Ohio, surrounded by the love of her family.

Martha was born on January 4, 1938, in Newport News, Virginia, the daughter of William P. Volkmer and Hannah W. T. Volkmer.  She grew up in Hampton, Virginia, where she met her husband, Richard Beckwith, a Navy man.  The couple moved to West Virginia, and more than a decade after that, settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where Martha would spend the rest of her life raising her family and devoting herself to volunteerism.

Throughout her life, Martha poured her energy into guiding others-- serving as a Girl Scout Leader, President of the American Legion Auxiliary, and in numerous leadership roles through her church, among many other pursuits.  Her love for the Girl Scouts held an especially cherished place in her heart, and she dedicated countless years to the organization, helping shape and inspire generations of young girls.  Her decades of devotion earned her a long list of honors, chief among them the Faithful Servant Award, recognizing her years of dedicated service.

Martha is survived by her children, Nancy L. Beckwith (spouse, William Hebebrand), Carrie A. Canterbury, and Paul E. Beckwith (spouse, Kimberly Beckwith); her cherished grandchildren, Karl Adam and Jonathon Canterbury, Cory Beckwith, Justin Beckwith, and Shane Beckwith; and her great-grandchildren, Alexandera, Theodore, and Ezra.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Beckwith, who passed in February 2017; her parents, William P. Volkmer and Hannah W. T. Volkmer; and her brothers, Edward Leroy Volkmer and William Volkmer.

Martha will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her legacy of service and love will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and communities of service.

Visitation will be at Baker Kensinger Funeral Home 206 Front Street Berea,Ohio 44017 Friday August 14, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.

Funeral Service will be at Bethany English Church, 15460 Triskett Road., Cleveland, Ohio  Saturday August 15, 2026 at 11:00 A.M.

Burial  RestHaven Memorial Garden, 3700 Center Road (Rt 83) Avon,Ohio

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio council. Please make your check payable to Girl Scouts of North East Ohio and write the honoree, Martha Beckwith, on the memo line.

Mail it to:

Girl Scouts of North East Ohio Attention: Fund Development Department One Girl Scout Way Macedonia, OH 44056

Online donations: https://www.gsneo.org/en/support-us/donate.html

The family invites you to share your favorite memories, stories, and photos on her online memory page.