Ruth Beck

Ruth Mae Beck, a beloved mother, grandmother, and woman of faith, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on July 6, 2025. Born on January 26, 1930, in Noxubee County, Mississippi, Ruth was the cherished daughter of the late William Selix and Tennie B. Rice. She was the second of thirteen children and often fondly recalled her early years growing up in a close-knit family.

Ruth’s spiritual journey began at a young age at New Hope Methodist Church in Macon, Mississippi, where she was baptized and joyfully accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her faith remained a cornerstone of her life.

Ruth received her early education in Macon and got her first job selling candy from a traveling community truck — a humble beginning that reflected her lifelong work ethic. Before relocating to St. Louis, Missouri, she met and married the love of her life, Henderson Beck Jr. Their union was blessed with three children: Remeal, Lillie, and Larry.

In St. Louis, Ruth's passion for cooking became her livelihood. She began her culinary career at St. Anne’s Home / The Daughters of Charity, proudly walking to work from her nearby home. After St. Anne’s closed in 1985, she continued her work as a dedicated cook at Marillac / Daughters of Charity until her retirement. Though these were not high-paying positions, Ruth took great pride in her work, knowing she was nourishing others with love and care.

Above all, Ruth’s heart belonged to her family, her home, and her church. She was a devoted mother and a proud, nurturing grandmother who made every holiday special with her home-cooked meals. She found great joy in worshipping at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church and frequently reminded her loved ones, “You have to get strength from the Lord.” She also loved her neighborhood — sitting on her porch, greeting friends, and watching her community grow around her.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Henderson Beck Jr.; her son, Larry Beck; three brothers: R.C. Rice, D’Earl Rice, and Clevester Rice (Dorothy Jean); and four sisters: Remeal Rice, Rosie B. Rice, Willie Rice, and Sadi Bradford — all of Macon, Mississippi.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory: daughters Remeal Swilling and Lillie Taylor-Howze (John) of St. Louis, Missouri; two granddaughters, Stacy Crawford (Edward) of Houston, Texas, and Kimberly Ford (Malcolm) of St. Louis, Missouri; and four grandsons: Barrett Taylor (Cetera), Blake Taylor, Jason Beck, and Spencer Beck, all of St. Louis.

Ruth is also survived by two sisters, Idella Hibbler of Macon, Mississippi, and Bernice Phillips of St. Louis, Missouri; and three brothers: Coty C. Rice (Pearl) of Macon, Mississippi, L.C. Rice (Shirley) of Starkville, Mississippi, and William “Butch” Rice of Macon, Mississippi.

Her legacy continues through seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will remember her with admiration and love.