"I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Beck family. It was always such a pleasure to come into Frames & Things to pick out prints and frames. I had so much fun working with Barb for a number of years. To this day, my home is filled with pictures framed at Frames & Things. I'll never forget Barb's comment as I made framing decisions: "You gotta love it!" And indeed I love everything I ever had done there! She was such a friendly, warm and kind person--a very special lady. Susan McDowell"
In loving memory of
Barbara Jean Beck
September 26, 1931 - March 5, 2017
Barbara Jean Beck,
85, of Indianapolis, departed this life Sunday, March 5, 2017. Barbara was born September 26, 1931 in Indianapolis to the late Clyde O. and Florence A. (Stitt) McDonald. Barbara was a 1949 graduate of Shortridge High School and an active member of their "49ers" group throughout her life.
She was an accomplished artist and business woman who owned and operated Frames & Things Inc. (1982 - 1997) She advocated for Indiana artists and dedicated an entire room of her shop solely to promote local artists.
Barbara was an oil painter and mainly focused on the 'live still life'. Her paintings were accepted in the Hoosier Salon every year she entered, which was from 1974 through 1982 and then again in 1986. She also served as President of the Indiana Artist's Club and has been a member since 1978. As an oil painter with the Metropolitan Arts Council, she wrote holiday poems and demonstrated her stories with "chalk talk" drawings and oil paintings for schools, nursing homes and other non-for-profit organizations; a job she dearly loved.
In addition she was an avid reader, bridge player, and enjoyed writing poetry. In her later years she hand sewed beautiful quilts that will last many lifetimes to come.
Barbara was a longtime and dedicated member of Epworth United Methodist Church where she has served as an assistant nursery school teacher for 11 years, (1970-1977, 1980-1982). She was also an instrumental member and past president of the John Strange Elementary School PTO.
Barbara is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Charles Wayne Beck; her loving children, John A. Beck , Nancy L. Beck, (John White), and Carol (Beck) Yarling, (Scott Yarling); dedicated grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, Andrew and Anna Yarling and a host of dear friends and grateful artists. Visitation for Barbara will be from 4-7 PM on Friday, March 10th at Epworth United Methodist Church. A memorial service for Barbara will begin at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 11th at the church. Private inurnment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Barbara's honor are suggested to: Epworth United Methodist Church or Marquette Manor Foundation.
Online tributes available at: www.leppertmortuary.com
Tributes
"Bill and I were so blessed to be neighbors with Barb and Wayne. We have such fond memories of lake time and our many years of living next door to one another. Barb will be so missed. Heaven is even sweeter with her smiling face and sweet disposition. Our love, prayers, and sympathy to all of you."
"Chaunce, John, Nancy & Carol. Saddened by your news it is so hard to find words to comfort your loss. However I am sure Betty Jean greeted her with a cup of coffee and a good conversation to catch up. Love to all"
"My deepest sympathies for Barbara's family. I am one of those artists who will be forever grateful for her encouragement and advice, much of which I pass on to other artists all of the time. She has a great legacy through her children, grandchildren and her art. "
"I am so deeply sorry for your lost, Aunt Barbara was the best, my love to you and your family. Love Cheri"
"One of the nicest, sweetest Aunts you could ever have."