Ruth Hester McClenny Beck

Ruth Beck went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the age of 100. She was born on February 14, 1924, and was the youngest of 10 children born to the late James Cicero and Georgianna Hellard Hester. After the early death of her parents, Ruth was raised by her sister Ruby and her brother-in-law, Stanley Hart. She graduated from Gray High School in 1941 as a member of the national honor society. 

She was a dedicated Christian attending Memorial Redeemer Church at the age of 12. As an adult, she attended Ardmore United Methodist Church for over 40 years, serving on the Board and as President of the Women’s Fellowship. She became a Moravian in 1991 after marrying Aldean “Dean” Beck and joined Bethabara Moravian Church. After his death she joined Advent Moravian Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Aldean “Dean” Beck; three brothers; and six sisters. She is survived by her two sons, Donald McClenny (Judy) of Winston-Salem, NC, and Lindsay McClenny (Joan) of Ft. Pierce, FL; one daughter, Marian “Marty” Holmes (Christopher) of Jacksonville, FL; two grandsons, Ryan McClenny (Bobbi) of Asheville, NC, and Brad McClenny (Dania) of Gainesville, FL; three great-grandsons, Luke and Evan McClenny of Gainesville, FL, and Regan McClenny of Ashville, NC; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. 

Ruth served as one of the first four women that joined the Winston-Salem Police department in 1952.

There will be a private graveside ceremony for family members at 2:00pm at Advent Moravian Church Graveyard on Monday, October 28, 2024. Officiating the service is Rev. Wayne Byerly. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the nurses and staff of Homestead Hills and Trellis Supportive Care for their attention and care given to Ruth.

The family requests that memorials be sent to Sunnyside Ministry, 319 Haled St, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, where Ruth and Dean volunteered for several years.