Celina R. Beck

BARRE TOWN - Celina “Tillie” Ruiz Beck, 92, of Wildersburg Common passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday, November 7, 2019.

One of six children, Tillie was born in Barre on October 18, 1927, to Josephine and Hilario Ruiz.   A lifelong area resident and 1944 graduate of Spaulding High School (SHS), Tillie formed many lasting friendships.

On July 2, 1949, Tillie was united in marriage to Norman D. Beck. Together for over 70 years, they shared a wonderful life together. They made their home in Barre and started a family in 1952 with the birth of twin girls Cheryl and Lynn Beck.

Tillie was a long-time member of the Barre and Rotunda West Country Clubs, as well as, the Garden and Tourist Club. She loved to keep busy with friends playing bridge, sewing, and entertaining. Tillie’s family enjoyed her baking especially her banana bread and rum cake. It was also a highlight for the children to bring their families to visit her seasonal home in Rotunda West, Florida.

Survivors include her loving husband, Norman, her twin daughters, six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. The family includes her daughter Cheryl B. Hilferty and her husband, Robert and their son, John “JB” Hilferty and his wife, Paulette and their children Zoe and Phin; and their daughter, Katie Babic and her husband, David, and their children Wyatt, Adele and Hazel; her daughter Lynn B. Zider and her husband, Robert and their daughter Jennie Carnes and her husband, Geoff and their children Jack and Sawyer, their daughter Betsy Moran and her husband, Mike and their children Jake and Hunter, their daughter Christy Pearce and her husband, Andrew and their children Maddie and Ollie and their daughter, Mary Zider.  Tillie is also survived by her sister, Isabelle ‘Missy’ Nelson and her daughter Diana Otis and her husband, Johnny and their children Sherri, Shelli and Keri, her sister, Michele Lane and her husband, Richard and their children Beth Kellogg and Stephen; her niece Bonnie Ratliff and her husband, Larry; as well as extended family, Cindy Donlon, and caregiver, Annette Corlis.

Tillie was predeceased by her sister, Amelia Rousse and her husband, Albert; her sister Tita McCallan and her husband, Bill; her sister Marie Bylow and her husband Lawrence; her brother-in-law Stanley Nelson; and her granddaughter Amy E. Hilferty.

A private viewing was held on Friday, November 8, 2019 in the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Glaucoma Foundation, 80 Maiden Lane, Suite 700, New York, NY 10038.