Sharon Lee Stoddard Beck

Sharon Lee Stoddard Beck passed away on December 17, 2024, in American Fork,Utah, exactly ten years after the passing of her beloved husband, Malcolm H. Beck.Surrounded in spirit by her loving children - Caryn, Randy and Gary, adoring grandchildren - Michael, Ashley, Stacia, Logan, Chad and David, and great grandchild- Monty. All of her immediate family were able to personally visit her before her passing.Although a short professional biography follows, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild want the world to know that she was an extraordinary mother and grandmother. She was far ahead of her time in both mothering and teaching. She deeply loved her husband and was an incredibly supportive partner. Her children were the light of her life, and she was always available, supportive, and loving. Sharon welcomed their friends and strangers alike into her home with open arms, always preferring that her children and their guests spend time under her roof rather than anywhere else. She also wholeheartedly embraced her children's spouses, Lynn Dudley, Charisse Lizarraga, and AnneMargaret Gore, into the family.

Sharon's grandchildren-and her great-grandchild were her absolute pride and joy. She showered them with indulgent love and affection, paying no mind to any parental complaints. She let them sleep in her bed, kept a steady supply of cookies and candy, and, together with Malcolm, gave gifts throughout the year-even immediately after Christmas. She planned intricate birthday parties and taught them the value of family devotion and a love of travel.

Coming from a long line of kind and accomplished conservationists, Sharon believed deeply in generosity. She remembered everyone's birthdays, from nieces and nephews to the children of her friends. She truly loved people, and no one ever left her home empty-handed. She believed that if one generation learned love and kindness, the generations to follow would do the same. For Sharon, there was never just one pie to split-she believed in making more pies.

Sharon was born on June 26, 1933, in Blackfoot, Idaho, to Verner Lee Stoddard and Dora (Dorothy) Jacobs Stoddard. She spent her early years in Idaho, fondly recalling stories of skiing off the roof of her home in Spencer and visiting the family's lumber camps. Her family later moved to Price, Utah, in 1944, traveling by train because they had sold their car during the war. Upon arriving in Price, cars were scarce, so they purchased a hearse-an experience that led to many memorable stories. Sharon cherished her parents, siblings, and extended family.

After graduating from Carbon High School in 1951, Sharon attended Carbon College, where she met Malcolm, a star basketball player from American Fork. Although she initially had a boyfriend, Malcolm cleverly punched her entry ticket at athletic events, paving the way for their courtship. He proposed in 1952 before leaving for the Korean War, and after his return in 1953, Sharon completed her education degree at the University of Utah in 1955. At the U, she served as Editor of the Activities Section of the Utonian, the school yearbook. Sharon and Malcolm were married on July 23, 1955, and eventually settled in American Fork, where they would spend the rest of their lives together.

Sharon was a master educator. For 20 years, she taught kindergarten and first grade at Greenwood, Forbes, Harrington, and Hillcrest, instilling a love of learning and reading in hundreds of children. She earned a Master's Degree in Curriculum and a General Administrative Certificate, and was a certified trainer in Early Childhood Strategies and in the Montessori Method. In 1975, she moved to the Alpine District Office as Director of K-12 Curriculum and Inservice, implementing Precision Teaching throughout the district. She received numerous accolades, including the 1975 Outstanding Teacher of America Award and a 1981 Leadership Award from the Utah International Reading Association. She retired from her professional career in 1991.

Active in her community, Sharon supported Malcolm's various political endeavors and served in numerous leadership roles. She was a past President of the Lady Lions, Junior Arlitra, and Jaycettes, as well as the State President of the auxiliary for the League of Cities and Towns. Sharon was also involved in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and the Republican Party. Professionally, she belonged to the NEA, UEA, AEA, the Utah Council of the International Reading Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the American Montessori Society.

Beyond her family and career, Sharon's interests included anthropology, arts and crafts, traveling, creative research, writing, reading, and genealogy. She and Malcolm traveled to Russia during the Cold War and frequently reflected on Russian culture. They also visited China, broadening their global perspective.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Malcolm; her siblings, Rondo Samuel, Byron Hale, and Brenda Davis; and her son-in-law, Lynn Dudley. She is survived by her children, Caryn Lee Beck-Dudley, Randy Malcolm Beck (Charisse), and Gary David Beck (AnneMargaret); her grandchildren, Michael Dudley, Stacia Dudley, Ashley Beck, Logan Beck, Chad Beck, and David Beck; and her great-grandchild, Montgomery Murdock Pacha. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Much gratitude to Randy's family for moving in with her for the last two years, allowing her to stay in her beloved home. The family also extends special thanks to A Plus Hospice and the Charleston Assisted Living for their excellent care during the past week. A Celebration of Life will be held after the holidays. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to your favorite charity or one that supports early childhood education.