2022
Jane Dora (Harness) Beck, 86, of Flora, Indiana, passed away at her home on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, surrounded by the devoted family team that cared for her throughout her brief illness.
Jane was born to the late Herbert E. and Violet Delight (Campbell) Harness on Sept. 2, 1935 in Deacon, Indiana. At ten years old, her mother was killed while competing in a horse show in Deer Creek, Indiana. Jane, and her brother Jerry, were then raised by their paternal grandparents, Frank and Dora Harness, in Galveston, Indiana.
Jane graduated from Young America High School in 1953. She began work at Logan Machine in Logansport, Indiana, where she made many lifelong friends and developed her love of bookkeeping while working as a cost clerk there. On June 2, 1957, Jane married her high school sweetheart, Norman Lee Beck, in Young America, Indiana. Jane had a crush on Norm since the 4th grade and they remained married and practically inseparable until his death in January, 2021.
Jane and Norm moved to Flora, Indiana, in 1960 where Norm operated a TV repair service. Local business leaders encouraged the young couple to add furniture and appliances to their TV shop, so they learned the business of selling home furnishings. Jane studied interior design at IUPUI in Kokomo and took courses on drapery installation while Norm trained in carpet installation. Together they operated Beck’s Furniture & Appliances in Flora for over 60 years. In addition to selling and installing products, Jane managed the books for the business. The store was Jane’s happy place, her “cup of tea,” and she worked there every day until failing health kept her at home in March of this year. As she described it, “We always considered our customers as friends.”
Jane’s hobbies included sewing, gardening, and shopping for antiques to add to her many collections ranging from Elizabeth Taylor memorabilia to miniature chairs. She and Norm traveled the world and particularly enjoyed visiting U.S. presidential libraries. She studied U.S. presidential first ladies and presented on the topic to local organizations. On most weekends, Norm and Jane could be found cheering on children and grandchildren at sporting events, and they vacationed with each of their children’s families. Jane was also an avid scrapbook maker. Many of Jane’s visitors in her last days were surprised to discover she had been saving photos and mementos from their lives for the past 60 years and arranging them in personalized albums
Jane walked in the Flora Hog Jog for many years, medaling as oldest participant and always trying to beat her previous record. She was a member of Sigma Phi Gamma sorority and the Flora Lions club, although she always preferred spending time with her family. She was a curious person who truly cared about others. She was a perfectionist, an animal lover, and a legendary worrier. She liked to get dressed up and she enjoyed setting a beautiful holiday table. She selected thoughtful gifts and always wrote a thank-you note. And she couldn’t bear to throw anything away if she could think of a use for it.
Jane is survived by her brother, Jerry Harness and his wife, Marcia, of Walton; half-sister, Pat Sills and husband, Larry, of Flint, MI; half-sister, Alice Fawley, of Alsip, IL; half-sister, Sandy Richardson, of Snohomish, WA; half-brother, Timothy Richardson, preceded her in death; son, Gordon Beck and his wife, Pam, of Flora; daughter, Norma Gilbert and her husband, David, of Flora; daughter, Heather Harvey and her husband, Tony, of Durham, North Carolina; seven grandchildren: Brant Gilbert, Cole Gilbert, Hilary Hanna, Grace Harvey, Roxanne Harvey, Jen Randle and Justin Brown; eleven great-grandchildren: Quincy Jane, Silas, Haven, Ella, Grissom, Max, Baker, Kaylin, Kinleigh, Khloe and Dexter; many special nieces and nephews; and Paris, her miniature poodle.
Jane’s family invites friends to visit Sunday, April 10, 2022, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Crossroads Community Christian Church, 3570 E. 200 S., Bringhurst, IN 46913. Celebration of life will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 11, 2022, at the church. Pastor Dan Butcher and Mark Good will officiate. Burial will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery.
— Click on the link below to watch the webcast of Jane Dora (Harness) Beck. —
https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1204752
The family would like to thank the many friends and family members who blessed Jane with a visit in her last days – it meant so much to her. They also wish to thank Guardian Angel Hospice for making it possible for Jane’s family to care for her in her home. The family asks that any memorial contributions be made to the Flora Lions Club, P.O. Box 46, Flora, IN 46929. Wheeler Family Funeral Home-Baker Chapel is honored to serve the Beck Family. Visit www.wheelerfamilyfuneralhome.com for online condolences.
Condolences for the family 04
Don and Susan Shively
April 9, 2022 10:35 pm ·What a fantastic lady. We always enjoyed talking to her at the shop. We know that she took great pride in her family. Her kindness and caring soul will be missed. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Dee Pirtle Schlatter
April 12, 2022 9:43 am ·Condolences to Jane’s family and friends from Dee and Jim Schlatter. Thinking of you and wishing you love and peace.
Lee Hoard
April 13, 2022 3:51 pm ·Very gentle, nice lady. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
Dennis Long
April 14, 2022 2:47 pm ·Our prayers are with Gordon, Norma and family with the passing of their mom.
I apologize for not coming to the celebration of Jane’s life. I was not aware of her passing until Wednesday.
Good kids come from good parents and I appreciated having the opportunity to teach and coach Norma and Gordon.
Dennis and Rita Long
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