Joan Francis Beck

Joan Francis Beck (Averitt) went to join Jesus Sunday October 6, 2013. Her loving company will be deeply missed by her devoted husband Bill Beck, her family, friends and admirers.

Joan's family had been in America for 13 generations before she was born in Auburn Indiana on January 9, 1931. Her parents, William Gordon Averitt and Rosemary Averitt (Strain), gave Joan a brother (William Gordon Jr. - deceased) and sister (Rose Ann - Deceased). Both William (Bill) and Rose Ann married and had children and grandchildren.

Joan and Bill have three children, Stephen, Cathy and Michael. All three will be here to celebrate Joan's life along with children and a new great grandson.

Joan first moved to Yuma with her parents in the mid-40's. Her father, known as Jack Averitt, was a produce broker. His career led them to live in various parts of the country including Texas, Florida and Yuma. Joan attended Yuma High School. She met her life companion and husband at a birthday party of a mutual high school friend. Joan and Bill were married on April 21st 1948 in San Antonio Texas, were her grand parents lived.

Joan and Bill lived most of their lives in a house they built by St. Francis Church, where they were one of the founding families. Joan was active with Bill in St. Francis, sending Cathy and Michael to St. Francis School when it was built.

Joan was known on sight throughout the community. Many people know Joan for her beauty, hairstyle ("the bun"), amazing light blue eyes, wit, energy, and devotion to her God and Family. She loved to dance with Bill, and they did that beautifully for 65 years. Joan loved to draw, play games, cook, raise horses, and keep track of her family. There are no words to say how greatly Joan Beck will be missed.