Brenda Beck

When reflecting on the life of Brenda Beck, words such as witty, gracious, fun-loving, and good natured come to mind. She was a devoted family woman whose greatest role was wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Life was not always easy for Brenda, but she was filled with a quiet strength that is to be admired. She was selfless in the way she loved others, and genuinely cared about her friends and loved ones. Taken from her family and friends much too soon, Brenda will be deeply missed while her memory is forever cherished. The year 1945 is often remembered as the year the Allied Powers declared victory in WWII. Countless young servicemen and women were returning home while life in the states resumed a sense of normalcy with no need to support the war effort any longer. This same year brought great joy to one young couple from Nashua, New Hampshire, as they were thrilled to welcome a baby girl into their hearts and home on November 8th. Brenda Lee was the oldest of five children born to her parents, Edward Davis and Sylvia (Brown) Oswald. Her father was in the military and stationed in New Hampshire when he met Brendas mother, and it was shortly after Brenda was born that their family moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where her father was from. She was raised alongside her brothers, Wallace, Dennis, Douglas, and her sister, Rhonda, and although they moved around a bit they eventually settled into a home on Superior Street in Muskegon. Brenda attended local schools and college and blossomed into a very bright and pretty young woman. After graduating from Muskegon High School Brenda got a job as a bank teller for a time. With her adventurous spirit at the helm, she later headed to New York with a friend where they remained for a bit. From there they made their way across the country, working various jobs along the way, many of which were in USO Clubs. They eventually settled in California. Life was forever changed for Brenda when she met a young man named William Dale Frampton in Manhattan Beach. He lived in the same apartment complex as Brenda and worked in a local grocery store. They struck up a friendship, and before long they were living together. Brenda and William soon married and were blessed with two sons together, Craig in 1967, and Todd in 1969. The family eventually settled in Hermosa Beach where Brenda worked various jobs including as a meat wrapper at a local grocery store. Although her marriage to William ended in divorce in the mid-seventies, Brenda was forever grateful for the sons they shared together. She marveled at what they became; Craig, a coastal engineer and Todd, an advanced practice Registered Nurse. As a single mother Brenda returned to Muskegon with her son, Todd, while Craig stayed with his father. New and exciting changes were on the horizon when Brenda met a guitar player in a local band that was playing at the Little Brown Jug in Fruitport where Brendas mother worked as a bartender. Larry Beck was his name, and they soon began dating. Soon after, Brenda moved into Larrys A-frame house on Walker Road. Deeply in love, the couple was married on that homes front porch on May 6, 1977. Larry also had children of his own, and Brenda became a loving mother to them also, although several were already grown and off on their own. Over the years Brenda and Larry enjoyed a fulfilling marriage. Larry jokingly said that Brendas job was taking care of him, which truly could be a bit of a challenge at times. At one point Larry took a job out in Phoenix, Arizona, where they lived for five years. Brenda loved living there, especially spending time in the backyard pool. Larry continued to play in bands there, and Brenda was a faithful member of the audience as often as she could when Larry was playing. In the mid-eighties they moved back to Muskegon where they settled on Ellis Road. They made many memories together in that house, and they even had to rebuild after experiencing a fire there. Brenda continued to delight in her family, and, with the birth of each new grandchild was thrilled to become a grandmother. She babysat as often as she could and was especially fond of her granddaughter, Jessie, who became the defacto daughter Brenda never had. Brenda and Larry eventually moved to Nunica to live right next door their children Larry Robert and Tamara. Brenda loved her extended family and nine grandchildren; Clinton, Cheyenne, Mathew, Josh, Brandon, LeRoy, Drew, Jessica and Jentry. Throughout her journey Brendas life was enriched in so many ways. She was an avid player of games including cards games like euchre and cribbage. Brenda regularly played with her girlfriends, Margaret, Carol, and Kathy, whom she had known from the time she was in 6th grade. Brenda also loved board games, doing crossword puzzles, and watching all the quiz shows on television. It isnt surprising that she always knew MOST of the answers when she played along. Brenda also loved playing bingo, making many trips to the casino where she was frequently a winner at the blackjack table. When at home she also loved working out in her garden. One of the things that made Brenda such an extraordinary woman was the way she showed others how much she loved them through sending cards for any and every occasion. She never missed a birthday or anniversary, and she always sent her well wishes with a get well card, too. No trip to the grocery store was ever complete without spending some time in the card section. Along her journey Brenda faced a few health challenges. In 1999 she had her first heart attack and eventually required bypass surgery in 2001. Although she recovered, Brenda was never quite as strong again. Through the years she struggled with congestive heart failure and finally cancer in 2011. Brenda fought the disease with great courage, undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. It doesnt come as a surprise to those who know Brenda that she maintained her positive attitude throughout her battle with son Todd and his girlfriend Sara at her side. Sadly, the disease had spread too much, and her body grew tired. It was with her loving family by her side that Brenda drew her last breath. Life will never be the same without Brenda Beck here, but the lives of so many within her reach are forever changed because of her touch. Her memory and loving ways will remain forever near and dear to all our hearts. Brenda L. Beck died on August 11, 2012. Brendas family includes her husband, Larry Beck; children, Craig Frampton of Long Beach CA, Todd (Sara Wildey) Beck of Spring Lake, Autumn "Bunny" (Marty) Jeffrey of TX, Larry Robert (Tamara) Beck of Nunica, Chris (Lisa) Beck of Fruitport, Dale (Marilee) Beck of Fruitport; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; mother, Sylvia Oswald of Muskegon; brothers, Wally Davis of Muskegon, Dennis Davis of Muskegon, Douglas Davis of IN; sister, Rhonda Winters of FL. Brenda was preceded in death by her father in 1989. Services will be held on Friday, August 17, 2012, 1:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel - Fruitport with Rev. Jamey Newsted officiating. Visit with Brendas family and friends on Thursday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story - Fruitport. Memorial donations can be made to the Family. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.