Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Shirley A. Beck
1936 - 2025
BORN
1936
DIED
2025
Shirley Beck Obituary
Born: February 1, 1936 in Sterling, IL
Died: October 7, 2025 in Sterling, IL
ROCK FALLS - Shirley "Babe" Beck, a beautiful mother, grandmother, and best friend, went home to be with the Lord on October 7, 2025, at Rock River Hospice in Sterling after a long and beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering faith.
Babe was a woman whose heart overflowed with kindness. She dedicated her life to caring for her family and to showing the love of God through everything she did.
Her home was always open, her hugs always warm, and her words always gentle. She had a way of making everyone feel special, reminding us all of what truly matters – faith, family, and love.
To know Babe was to be loved by her. She never left a room without saying her signature phrase: "I love you more." Those words now echo in the hearts of everyone who knew her, a sweet reminder of the deep and selfless love she shared so freely.
Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to guide and comfort those she loved so dearly – through every prayer, every smile, and every "I love you more."
Shirley is survived by her children: Todd (Chris) Beck in Rock Falls, IL, Tally (Mike) Reed in Carterville, IL, Tori Almanza in Rapid City, SD, Tana (Todd) Coward in Rock Falls, IL, Tyane (Dave) Austin in Rock Falls, IL, Treasure (Antonio) Velazquez in Rock Falls, IL; and nineteen grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents Robert Gaulrapp and Anna Mae Gaulrapp (Regan); one brother, Gary Gaulrapp; former husband, Earl Beck, and one grandson, Paul Johnson.
Per Babe's wishes, her life will be honored privately with no ceremony. Her loved ones will continue to celebrate her memory in quiet moments, the laughter that she left behind, and the love that she gave so freely.
Online condolences may be made at www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Beck
1 Entry
Peggy squires
October 10, 2025
So sorry for your loss. She was always so kind remember her cute little laugh. Peggy Squires
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Shirley Beck's name
Memorial Events
for Shirley Beck
How to support Shirley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Shirley Beck's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
