Helen Lucille Beck was born Aug. 11, 1934, in Sunnyside, Wash., to George and Nellie Cromar. Helen and her sister Louise grew up in a large and closeknit family that gathered regularly for family dinners and that worked together to put up fences and share other chores around their property.

While still in high school, Helen met Melvin Beck, who was working at his uncle’s dairy in Sunnyside. Melvin asked about the lovely young woman who had caught his eye, and a courtship ensued. They were married on Sept. 19, 1952, and lived a long and fruitful life together. Helen and Melvin were equal partners in everything they did and they faced all the happiness and twists of life together.

As a young girl, Helen never liked to spend the night away from home. If asked to stay at a friend’s house, she ended up calling her parents to come get her before the sleep-over even started. When she and Melvin married, her parents explained that she would not be able to call them anymore and ask them to bring her home.

Melvin joined the Navy and, in the first decade of their marriage, Helen moved from Sunnyside to Oklahoma, Seattle, Texas, Hawaii, California and Oak Harbor. After arriving in Oak Harbor in 1964, they moved only three more times within the city before settling in permanently on their five-acre horse farm on Crescent Harbor Road. Helen never did have to call her parents; she made a home wherever she went.

Helen was a powerful force in her family. She raised four children while Melvin was deployed around the world, initially on the salary of an enlisted man. Helen was always in charge of the family finances. In the early years, she had a jar for every bill that needed to be paid. She would put whatever money was available into each jar, to make sure each bill was paid in full and on time.

Helen loved to attend her children’s sporting events and many activities as they were growing up, in the process teaching them to become independent and caring adults. She enjoyed telling the story about the day she was standing in her kitchen, making peanut butter sandwiches for the kids. She began to think about how they would someday have to make their own way in life, and she taught them right then and there how to make their own peanut butter sandwiches.

As her daughter and sons began their own families, Helen continued to support the next generation. Her birthday and Christmas cards were a treat to receive and always a help to the growing families.

In retirement, Helen and Melvin were avid thoroughbred horse breeders, and Helen took joy in attending the races of the horses they owned. Their horse Saratoga Passage was named Washington-Bred Horse of the Year in 1987 and 1989.

Helen passed away on April 24, 2016. She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Melvin Beck; children Robert (Irene), Dona (Scott), Michael (Ilze) and Jeffrey (Patty); sister Louise Husseman; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

At her request, no service will be held. Interment at columbarium of Maple Leaf Cemetery in Oak Harbor. Remembrances may be made to the charity of your choice.