Ruth Joan Beck, a beacon of kindness and joy, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on November 29, 2024, at the age of 84, in Hastings, Michigan. Born on June 9, 1940, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ruth's life was a testament to the power of love, laughter, and generosity.

Ruth graduated from Thornapple Kellogg High School, where she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. She dedicated many years of service to the Hastings area school system as a payroll administrator, a role in which she was not only respected for her professionalism but also cherished for her warmth and humor.

Ruth's life was rich with the love of family. She is survived by her adoring daughter, Christine Danis, and her beloved grandchildren, Cliffton Danis, Maurice McIntyre, Eli Beck, Kimberly Beck, Allison Morgan Danis-Martinez, and Lilly Justin O'Neill. Her legacy continues to bloom in the lives of her seven great-grandchildren, each a reflection of her kind spirit. Ruth was proceeded in death by her husband, Richard Beck; son, Michael Beck; father, Gerald Sherk; mother, Laura Sherk; and her sisters.

Her heart was a wellspring of affection for her lifelong dear friend, Sandy Mosteller, and family friend, Robert Heethuis. Ruth's bond with Connie and Jim Kenfield was unbreakable, and they remained her best friends through every season of life. Her nephew, Sandy Sonya Ryan, also held a special place in her heart.

Ruth's life was a tapestry of simple pleasures and profound connections. She found immense joy in spending time with her great-grandchildren, each moment a precious memory etched into the fabric of their lives. Her love for hummingbirds was more than a hobby; it was a reflection of her appreciation for life's delicate beauty. Ruth's laughter was a familiar echo during episodes of "The Price is Right," a show she loved with a passion that matched her zest for life.

Those who knew Ruth would describe her as the embodiment of kindness, her generosity knew no bounds. Her sense of humor was a source of endless delight, and her ability to find the funny in the mundane made every day brighter.

Ruth's journey through life was marked by the love she gave and the love she received. Her presence was a gift to all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her absence will be deeply felt. Yet, the memories she created, the lives she touched, and the laughter she shared will continue to resonate, a gentle reminder of a life well-lived.

As we bid farewell to Ruth Joan Beck, we celebrate a life that was truly a blessing to us all. Her spirit, a gentle whisper on the wings of hummingbirds, will forever remind us of the joy and beauty that can be found in the simplest things. Ruth's story does not end here; it lives on in the hearts of those she loved and those who loved her.

In the quiet moments, we will find her: in the laughter of her great-grandchildren, in the flutter of hummingbird wings, and in the shared smiles over fond memories. Ruth Joan Beck, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of love and laughter will endure forever.