Barbara Jane Beck

High school teacher and talented writer Barbara Beck’s influence didn’t end with her death. Barbara, who was called Barbie by those close to her, passed away Monday, February 7, 2022. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by loved ones both near and far, who will honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. Barbara had made the pledge of organ donation and her precious organs have already saved lives. The youngest of 7 children, Barbie was feisty and in the middle of everything. Her inquisitiveness displayed her strong intellect which earned her 3 math-related bachelor’s degrees and her Masters. With all her talents, her life could have gone in many different directions, but she chose wife, mother, teacher, and author. Barbara met John Beck at Oklahoma University. He was in ROTC, and she was in Angel Flight. They were married in September 1984. John was indeed the love of her life. Barbie was so proud of him, and, when he was napping in his chair, would say to anyone around, “Isn’t he so cute?” and smile. John and Barbie have two daughters, Taylor and Delaney, their pride and joy. As a mother, Barbie was seriously responsible, protective, compassionate, and loving. She was also her daughters' friend as well as mother, and, as adults, they enjoyed many evenings and cruises together. The girls mentioned that Barbie never wanted the spotlight to be on her whenever they would go out. She was a beautiful, witty woman with a quiet inner self. Barbie was embarrassed to be noticed, but often was because of her beauty and humorous, vivacious personality. Her insight helped her use words in a way that was both accurate and touching. We will miss reading her future works. Barbara was an animal lover. In her youth, the family German Shepard wanted her to be with him all the time. He would lead her around with her tiny wrist nestled gently in his mouth. This would always bring a smile. Barbie ended up with a boatload of cats because she has a compassionate heart and the family and she had grown too attached to a litter. She would comment that she would get out of her chair but she couldn’t because she had a cat sleeping on her lap. There are not enough words to describe Barbie or the loss we feel. The following is a collection of phrases that friends and family use to describe her: great mother, constant partner, my love, wonderful younger sister, talented science fantasy writer, personal responsibility, serious minded, marvelously creative, unique, pun-lover, formidable pool player, swordswoman, worthy adversary, kind, our own Dejah Thoris, fencer, seamstress, scuba diver, a true beauty inside and out, professional costume designer, lasagna, bleu cheese, elegant lady, goosies, llamas, encourager, proud of my mother, best daughter-in-love ever, generous, compassionate, asset to our crazy family and fit right in, quite the character, selfless, headstrong and stubborn, loved the dumbest jokes, moved mountains for her family, created awesome daughters, beautiful brown eyes, creator, and honorable. A couple of Barbie’s favorite phrases were: “Who’s the more foolish? The fool or the fool who follows him.” “Not all who wander are lost.” In honor of Barbie’s love of animals, if you prefer, please donate to: https://portcitycatrescue.org/