Shirley A. Beck, the daughter of Olin Wayne and Esther Louise (Pfeil) Fletcher, was born March 5, 1939, in Fairfax, Missouri. She attended Fairfax High School, graduating in 1956.

On January 19, 1958, Shirley was united in marriage to Charles “Chuck” W. Beck at the Rock Port Baptist Church, Rock Port, Missouri. They became the parents of two sons, Randall and Gregory, and made their home in numerous cities throughout the United States. Chuck passed away in December of 2022.

Shirley was employed as a secretary at various companies over the years, retiring after serving as Atchison County Assessor from 1985 to 1989. After retirement, Chuck and Shirley wintered in Texas, moving there permanently in 2013. They returned to Fairfax in 2020 to be close to family. Shirley absolutely enjoyed attending her great-granddaughters’ activities and sporting events. On their return from Texas she reconnected with the Red Hatters who were her very close friends.

Shirley was a member of the First Lutheran Church and for the past two years had attended the Methodist Church, both of Rock Port. She was a member of the Community Hospital Auxiliary. After a long battle with cancer, Shirley passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Rock Port, at the age of 85.

Besides her parents and husband, Chuck Beck, Shirley was preceded in death by sister, Bonnie Sue Fletcher. Survivors include sons, Randall (Julie) Beck, Hollister, Missouri, and Greg (Deanna) Beck, Fairfax; grandchildren, Maranda Beck, Danielle Beck, Stephanie Brokaw, Crystal (Kamron) Woodring, Jacob Beck, and Katie Beck; numerous step grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and step great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce Burke, Fairfax; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held Monday, May 6, 2024, at the United Methodist Church, Rock Port, conducted by Pastor Bill Hargis. Inurnment was at Greenhill Cemetery, Rock Port. Memorials may be directed to National Multiple Sclerosis Society or Leukemia Society. Arrangements were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.