Julia Ann Beck, 63, joyfully entered heaven's gates to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 4, 2017.  Born on June 28, 1954, she was the daughter of Vern and Evelyn Nafziger.  Julie graduated from Archbold High School in 1972 and was a lifelong resident of the Archbold area.  She accepted Christ as her personal Savior, was baptized on April 28, 1968 and was obedient by serving and sharing His love with others throughout her life.

Julie married the love of her life, Neal Beck, on May 1, 1976 and in their 41 years together, they raised three daughters and welcomed nine grandchildren.  The family enjoyed vacationing especially at Little Eden Camp in northern Michigan each summer and also taking many family snow skiing trips together.  She and Neal spent many hours travelling together via motorcycle.

Julie's chosen career was homemaker and she excelled in this role as a beloved wife and mother.  She found joy in creating a warm and loving environment for her family.  Her greatest joy was found in spending time with her family – especially all of her grandbabies.  She was in attendance for every game, recital, program and other special event in their lives.  She will always be remembered for making grilled cheese sandwiches, reading book upon book aloud and playing endless rounds of Zingo and Sorry.

She was an excellent hostess with a keen interest in serving others.  She also had a special knack for planning unique events and many lasting memories were created through noodle making, snow skiing, and special gatherings for the extended family.

Julie was a kind and compassionate woman with a gentle and sweet spirit.  Julie was blessed with an artistic flair and a natural ability to create beauty in many ways.  She used her talents to serve others, especially blessing the ministry of MCC and Ten Thousand Villages/Care & Share Gift & Thrift stores of Archbold, where she served as Manager for over 20 years before retiring in 2016.  She was passionate about the mission and ministry of Ten Thousand Villages.  She had a deep appreciation for the many volunteers who shared the vision of the stores and loved interacting with her many regular customers.

Julie battled cancer with courage and grace – just as she lived.  She was a beautiful, caring Child of God.  She radiated such grace during the daily struggles and the sweetness of her spirit was running over. "Her life has touched us and that is why we mourn – our lives without her cannot be the same"

Left to honor Julie's legacy of love is her beloved husband Neal and three daughters, Melissa (Jason) Valentine and Heather (Joel) Ruffer of Archbold and Lindsey (Luke) Mason of Goshen, IN, along with her cherished grandchildren – Madden, Griffen, Gentry and Javery Valentine, Logan, Kennedy, Colt, and Baden Ruffer and Haddie Mason; mother Evelyn Nafziger; sisters Melda Richer, Esther Nafziger, Norma Kauffman and Karleen Nafziger.  She was preceded in death by her father, two older brothers – Mervin Nafziger and Daniel Nafziger and two grandchildren she will meet for the first time in heaven.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Central Mennonite Church, State Route 2, Archbold.  A celebration of Julie's life will be held on Friday, at 4:30 p.m. at Central Church with Pastors David Elkins and Regina Wenger officiating, followed by a fellowship meal.  A private burial service will take place prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Water Project sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee, a charity that was very dear to Julie.