Mary Ellen "Mady" Beck

Called by her heavenly father, Mary Ellen “Mady” Beck, age 85, passed away peacefully in the company of her two daughters on February 20th, 2026.

Born on December 4th, 1940, to Alice Brock and Frank Uselman in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Mary was the first of six children. She grew up on a dairy farm in Wadena, Minnesota. The family moved to Spring Green, Wisconsin in 1951 and a short time later Mary moved back to Minnesota where she graduated high school and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1960. While in the Navy she married Billy Joe Bearden and together they were stationed in Providence, Rhode Island and Rota, Spain. Before being honorably discharged from the Navy, she earned a Good Conduct Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. In 1963, she gave birth to her daughter Rhonda and in 1965 she gave birth to her daughter Laurell. Following her divorce in 1972, Mary and her daughters moved to Aurora Colorado where she worked as an executive secretary at Husky Oil. In 1973, Mary met Clayton Richard Beck, and they were married on August 24, 1974. They were married 51 years until her passing.

She had beautiful eyes, the best smile, and a laugh that went from 0 - 60 in 2 seconds. Fearless and straight forward, Mary didn’t mince words and we loved her for her honesty and big heart. Most were hesitant to discuss politics or world events with her, but you loved her moral fiber and her tenacity.

If you asked Mary about either her knee-high red leather boots from the 60’s, Elvis Presley - “Oh that man!”, or played the song "Palisades Park” she would regale you with funny stories. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice and great culinary skills, she loved hosting parties and was always the “hostess with the mostest.” And when she went out, she was always “dressed to the nines.”

Mary was loving, firm but fair, and together with Clay, raised her daughters to be independent, respectful, and productive people. Those values are reflected in her grandchildren as well. Second only to her daughters, Mary was grateful for her marriage to Clay. A great team together, they traveled, enjoyed their friends, and renovated their home.

She was generous with both her time and her resources. Mary helped family members, friends, and strangers. She belonged to the Queen of Peace Catholic Church for 40 years, always giving to various charities and foundations that supported the less fortunate. Mary loved, and we loved her.

Mary is survived by her husband Clay, her sister Fran (Dale), her daughters Rhonda (Doug) and Laurell (Pete), her grandchildren Andrew, Emily, and Catherine. She is predeceased by her parents Alice Brock, Frank Uselman, and brothers Dennis, Richard, David, and Donald.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Mary by making a donation to the Mount Saint Vincent of Denver, a human services agency that supports traumatized children and their families: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/locations/intermountain-health-mount-saint-vincent/ways-to-give. Or donate to a local battered woman’s shelter of your choice in her name.