Barbara Jean Beck

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 beautifu...[more]

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uilts 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