Jean Richards Beck, 82

Jean Richards Beck passed away Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Hospital, Health Services Northwest. She was 82 years old. Jean was born Sept. 22, 1922, in Schuylkill Haven, Pa., to George W. and Theresa P. (Folk) Richards.

Jean received her nursing degree and registered nurse license from the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in March 1945, where she also served as a science instructor before joining the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in March 1945. She was stationed in the CBI Theatre (India) where she served during and after World War II. First Lieutenant Jean Richards also served in Postwar Japan where she met her future husband.

Her military honors include the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Army of Occupation Ribbon with clasp "Japan." Jean's service to the United States is recorded and remembered at the Women's Veterans Memorial at Arlington, Va., near Washington, D.C.

Her interests included helping others through a number of volunteer efforts throughout her lifetime, including shelters for abused women, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and the Veteran's Administration.

She also tutored children and adults in English and math. She spent several years as a volunteer for Kalispell's Peterson School. Jean's compassionate interest in helping others endeared her to everyone she met.

Jean had a passion for education and spent her lifetime pursuing additional education for herself and encouraging others to do the same.

She maintained an intense love of life and loved children and animals, especially dogs.

After traveling the Northwest many years earlier, she fell in love with Montana and the mountains around Kalispell and retired here in 1992.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, both of Pennsylvania.

She is survived by her five children, Jean M. Akin of New York, William J. Beck Jr., of West Virginia, Nanette L. Beck of California, Stuart W. Beck of Pennsylvania, and Cynthia C. Beck of California; and her two grandchildren, Forrest and Matthew Beck.

Although no memorial service is planned, Jean had a number of favorite causes accepting donations. These include The American Cancer Society, 3550 Mullen Road, Suite 105, Missoula, MT 59808; Humane Societies or Animal Sanctuaries, 3499 U.S. 93, Kalispell, MT 59901; and any organization that supports and honors U.S. veterans.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Jean's family.