Ruth Beck

Ruth Marie Beck, 96, of Hensley, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2023.  Ruth was the wife of the late Billie Eugene Beck, Sr. who she married in 1946. 

Ruth was born on November 18th, 1927, to Otis Earl Wood, Sr. and Pearl Amelia Friedrich Wood in Opal, Arkansas.  She graduated from Beebe High School in 1945, and later became a beautician in 1959.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Billie Eugene Beck Sr., son Billie Eugene Beck, Jr., brother Otis Earl Wood, Jr., and stepmother Violet Wood Harris.

She is survived by her son Friedrich ‘Freddy’ Beck (Sharyon), her daughter Karen Oliver (Robbie), and daughter-in-law Sherry Beck as well as siblings: Jane Garrett (Larry), Doris Nutt, Larry Wood (Judy), David Wood, Timmy Wood, and sister-in-law JoAnn Wood.  She was blessed with five grandchildren:  Brian Beck (Tami), Christopher Gentry, Sr., Eric Beck (Michelle), Ashley Beck Howard, and Shannon Godec, ten great-grandchildren: Grace Beck, Jordan Gentry, Hailey Fogleman, Victoria Brazil, Jacob Howard, Zachary Howard, Chris Gentry Jr., Carson Gentry, Nadia Godec, Amelia Godec and one great great granddaughter, Zeppelin.   She is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whom she cherished deeply. 

Ruth was best described as strong-willed and loving. Ruth hosted an array of family holidays filled with laughter and delicious food, including the traditional Christmas Eve Mexican feast.  She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, cross stitching, gardening, camping, cooking, watching QVC and a hot cup of “coffee…black”. She and her late husband were members of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #60 in Little Rock. Her bright smile and free-spoken remarks will be missed, endlessly.

Visitation will be held on Friday evening, December 1, 2023, from 6 - 8 pm at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home at 404 W. Dewitt Henry Drive in Beebe, Arkansas.  There will be a private burial service and Ruth will be laid to rest at Salem Cemetery in East End, Arkansas.  To view the online registry, please visit www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook.