Ruth Faye Beck

January 10, 1942 - August 15, 2024

Ruth Faye (Prizel) Beck passed away peacefully in her sleep August 15, 2024 after an amazing lifetime legacy. Born January 10, 1942 in Buffalo, New York to Gertrude C. Hauck and George P. Prizel she was the 5th of 6 children, who all preceded her, except younger sister Carol Williams. The family led a modest lifestyle and Ruth worked hard to do well in school.

In 1958 she tagged her future husband at a Sadie Hawkins Day dance at Eden Central High School in Eden, NY where they became high school sweethearts. Ruth married Herbert Beck when she was 19 years old, and Herb was 20. They had 63 wonderful married years together while raising three children, Susan, Carol and Chris, to be good citizens of this world. The Beck family consists of nine grand-children and four great grand-children to carry on Ruth’s beliefs of respecting people, honesty, integrity and friendship.

Ruth had a passion for traveling across the U.S. and the world throughout her life. With her warm demeanor and bubbly personality, she effortlessly engaged in conversations with everyone she encountered. Five years after marriage, Ruth and Herb began driving and camping across the United States in a Volkswagen Bug towing a tent-camper with two young children in the back. In later years, she made many trips to Europe and England. One year Ruth took her sister Doris to London (who had not traveled abroad); the close friend they were staying with had a brother who painted record covers and hosted a small reception for Paul McCartney. Paul came to the event and took photos with Ruth and Doris - which made their day (and year).

Ruth also had a passion for cooking fine dinners and entertaining people. She, along with another woman, founded the "Almaden Valley Gourmet Group," which gathered monthly at a member's home on the second Saturday. The group consisted of 13 couples—one for each month, plus an alternate for scheduling conflicts. Over time, these members became an extended part of the Beck family, and the group continued for 35 years until Covid-19 brought it to a halt.

Ruth was a Teachers Aid in San Jose Unified School District for 15 years before going back to school to become a Certified Travel Consultant. For the next 16 years she professionally guided people on travel arrangements and hotel/motel reservations.

Ruth and Herb lived in San Jose, CA for 41 years where Herb worked at IBM and then ten years ago, they retired and moved to Spokane, WA to be closer to family. Sadly, Ruth battled Parkinson’s Disease for over 30 years which ravaged her physical body but never dampened her spirit and love of life.

Ruth leaves her husband Herb and children: Susan (Roger) Graham, Carol (David) Osenga and Chris (Jill) Beck and many loving friends and family.

Condolences email:: ruth-beck1@att.net