The Rita, Jake, and Kyle Beck Fund was established at the Montana Community Foundation in 2019 to honor three beautiful people, a mother, and her two sons lost too soon. It is a way for Rita's husband, sister, and many others to remember these individuals they loved so dearly while helping their local communities. The recipients of the fund are nonprofit organizations whose work reflects the giving natures of Rita, Jake, and Kyle. They include local food banks, the Billings Chapter of the National Association of Mental Illness, Eaglemount, and the Young Parents Education Foundation (Great Falls), among others.

Read more about Rita, Jake, and Kyle below and in the April issue of Yellowstone Valley Woman Magazine (page 16).

Rita Clare (Mitchell) Beck
July 30, 1966- September 23, 2018

As a wife, mother of two amazing boys, and the youngest daughter in a family of 14 children, Rita touched her family and everyone around her in incredible ways. She married the love of her life, Doug Beck, and their happy home centered around their two sons, Jake and Kyle. Rita was someone who always put others first. She was a dedicated social worker, who positively impacted the community of Great Falls in numerous ways. Upon moving to Billings, she continued to serve others by establishing a business to help people with personal care needs. It was Rita’s strong faith and family who carried her through the loss of her young sons. Her compassionate and caring nature, combined with her sparkling eyes and smile, made her hard to forget. She was beloved by her family and holds a special place in the hearts of so many.

Jacob Allyn Beck
February 14, 1987- July 17, 2006

To say that Jacob “Jake” Beck was poetic and full of life is an understatement. His outgoing personality and personal writings had a lasting impact on his family and friends. Jake lived life with purpose, seizing every opportunity for himself and others to participate fully and cherish every moment. Based on his upbringing, one of the values Jake held most dearly was family. He once wrote, “If there has ever been one truly undefeatable army, one eternal kingdom, one universal truth, it has always been family.” Another core value for Jake was faith and it was his faith that kept him grounded, even as he excelled as a student and an athlete. There was no place for ego in Jake’s life because of his outward focus on his friends and family.

Kyle David Beck
September 21, 1992- June 30, 2015

Kyle was known for his strength, courage, and love for his family. As the younger son, Kyle brought joy and humor into the Beck household. While Kyle would often strive to follow in his brother’s footsteps, he inspired his brother and his family with his bravery. He impacted and touched his family more than he ever knew. He was devastated by the sudden loss of his cherished brother, Jake, but endeavored to face life’s challenges without the camaraderie the two shared. Kyle showed understanding, love, and acceptance of those in society facing the greatest challenges and encouraged others to do the same. We know
that Kyle is at peace with his grandparents, mom, and brother, and is lovingly remembered by his friends and family still on earth.