Rebecca K Beck

Rebecca Heinitz Kunnary Beck , 94, passed away in Idaho Falls at the home of her daughter Elaine and son-in-law George Harris on Sunday, February 19th, 2012. She had resided with them since August , 2008.

Rebecca “Becky” was born to John Fredrick Heinitz, and Gertrude Butler Heinitz, in Sugar City, Colorado, Nov. 17th, 1917. The family moved to Helena when she was 12 years old and where she attended Helena schools. She self taught herself to play the piano and in her late teens she played in a family band with her father, and brother at many “country dances”.

After High school she met Raynold M. Kunnary, and they were married in Helena, Sept. 6th, 1936. They became parents of 5 children. Becky worked as a waitress for many years and during the construction of the Canyon Ferry Dam she operated “Becky’s Café”.

The family moved to Minnesota from Montana in the early 50’s, taking over the Kunnari family dairy farm. Ray went back into construction in 1957 which the took the family to New York state. He died in 1959 and she returned to Helena with 4 of her children. She worked for Montana Power,the City of Helena ,retired from the State of Montana Highway Dept. 1980.

She married Alfred Beck, of Helena in 1961 and upon their retirement they enjoyed traveling to Yuma AZ.for many years as “snow birds”.

Becky was an accomplished musician and enjoyed playing the piano and organ. She was an excellent seamstress and in her later years enjoyed quilting with her sisters and nieces, making many items that will be treasured by her family. She enjoyed Bible study with her friends of First Lutheran Church in Helena and during her time in Idaho Falls made new friends at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Happy Stitchers Quilting group.

She was mother to 5 children, 2 step daughters, 19 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren , 3 great great grandchildren and 5 step grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Edwina (Paul) Lobb, Alden, MN., Elaine (George) Harris, Idaho Falls, Matt (Mary)Kunnary, Helena, Cliff Kunnary, and Dona(Al) Reynolds of Kalispell, step daughters, Julie(Wm”Butch”)Ktutzfeldt, Miles City, MT. and Trudy(Harry)Angel of Seattle. Her surviving grandchildren of her Idaho Falls family include Brad Harris & Mary Ellen Slape, Tulsa Ok. Stacie Miller & Kelly Stoddard, and Karrie(Todd) Wackerli, all of Idaho Falls, great grandchildren, Dannielle Miller (Ross)Ginkel, Pensacola, FL Brandon Miller, Idaho Falls, Justin Wackerli and fiancée Casey Carter, Midvale, UT and Jarrett Wackerli, Idaho Falls. She held her 5th generation grandson, Miles Ginkel age1½ months at Christmas.

Also surviving are brothers Raymond Heinitz, Bozeman, MT, and Vic (Norma) Heinitz, Helena and sisters, Red Reinig, Helena, MT and Suzanne Dodge, Salt Lake. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews .

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Raynold Kunnary and Alfred Beck, 2 sisters and daughter-in-law Liz Kunnary. Services & burial will take place in Helena MT Feb. 25,2012