Anticipating a heavenly reunion with his beautiful wife Mary Ellen, Clayton Richard Beck passed into the loving arms of Our Lord on Wednesday September 23rd, 2026, at the age of 85. “Clay” was born and raised in the farming and mining community of Zap, North Dakota. “Zip up to Zap” he would say. Studious in the classroom and athletic on the basketball court, Clay graduated high school in 1959 and soon joined the United States Army. Having earned the Expert Infantry Badge and the Good Conduct Medal during his 4-year enlistment, Clay was honorably discharged. Using his G.I. Bill enrolled in the University of Nebraska (Omaha) and graduated with an accounting degree. Clay was hired out of college by the Public Service Company in Denver CO and worked there for 36 years, retiring in 2003.

Clay said often, “I had an O.K. life going but my life became “great” when I met Mary. I actually heard her voice first. I had placed a call to the Husky Oil Company where she was the executive secretary. When I heard her voice, I had to meet her.” Falling in love with Mary also meant helping to raise Mary’s two young daughters but Clay welcomed the responsibility. Clay and Mary were married in 1974. As Mary’s husband and the girls’ stepfather, Clay was their Rock of Gibraltar. Loyal, hard-working, and dedicated to helping Mary prepare the girls for the future. He said often, “They were the center of my universe.” Clay was well respected in the neighborhood and the family’s local parish. Clay was a selfless man with his time, his talents, or his treasure.

In retirement, Clay enjoyed spending his time with Mary. They traveled, visited with family, and enjoyed the company of friends. He spoke fondly of his parents, his sister, and his three brothers. He was a proud grandfather too, enjoying his grandchildren’s company and celebrating their achievements.

Clay leaves his sister Sharon, his stepdaughters Rhonda (Doug), Laurell (Pete), and three grandchildren Andrew, Emily, and Catherine. He was predeceased by his parents (Evelyn and Albert), his brothers (Larry, Gerald, and Delmar), and his wife Mary Ellen.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through its online donation portal, where funds support inpatients, outpatients, homeless Veterans, caregivers, and other VA programs. Donations can be made online via Pay.gov with a minimum of $5.01 or in person at a VA medical center with no minimum.