Beata Beard

Beata Beard, 83, died peacefully at her Yakima home on April 22, 2011. She was born in Selfridge, North Dakota on December 28, 1927 to Jacob and Barbara (Shall) Becker. She was the 11th of 14 children. After graduating from Selfridge High School in 1945, she moved to Yakima with her sister Margaret where she would meet her husband Jack Beard. Following a short courtship, they were married in November of 1947. She began working for Bell Telephone in 1946 and retired from Qwest in 1982. Along the way, she took time off to raise her family.

Her interests included cooking, quilting, and sewing for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She and Jack had many wonderful years traveling with their motor-home. They were able to tour most of the country, making some special friends. They enjoyed their cabin at Bumping Lake, which they built together in 1953. They also took pleasure in snowmobiling, backpacking and camping.

Beata is survived by her husband of 64 years Jack Beard, sisters Margaret St. George, Mary Ann Kingston, and Irene Burger; sisters-in-law, Norlene Becker and Bernice Kerby; daughters, Jeanette Hourigan (Dave) and Barbara Weaver (Ken); grandchildren, Jeanette Heater (Justin), Andrea Weaver, Michael Hourigan, and Scott Hourigan; great grandchildren, Allison, Kara, and Elise Heater; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, seven sisters, and grandson Devin Weaver.

Beata will be missed by her family and friends. She was a wonderful friend, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her legacy as a patient, nurturing, and loving individual will live on in all those that were fortunate enough to have known her.

Recitation of the Rosary will be at the Keith and Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel on Wednesday April 27, 2011 at 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 201 North Iler, Moxee WA on Thursday April 28, 2011 at noon. A luncheon will follow at the parish center.