Beckie Wallace

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Our beautiful Beckie Sue Wallace, 77, of Webb City was called to her eternal home in Heaven on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, wrapped in the arms of Jesus and no doubt dancing with angels. Beckie entered this world as a firecracker on July 4, 1948 in Joplin, Missouri, the eldest daughter of Betty Jean (Hickam) La Near and Eddie Kenneth (Kenny) La Near. She graduated from Joplin High School in 1965 and spent all her adult life in Carl Junction and Webb City, Missouri.

Beckie built her entire life around caring for others. For 51 years, she ran a home daycare that shaped the lives of generations of area children. She treated every one of her daycare kids as if they were her own. Those who were fortunate to grow up under her roof still talk about her warm and loving nature, rocking them to sleep, coloring with them, and always giving a special treat after they "made a happy plate.” She created a place where children learned kindness, manners, routine and confidence. Many have stayed in contact with her throughout their adult lives and consider Beckie one of the most influential people of their early years. Her love was unconditional and extended to all.

Beckie's influence and caring nature stretched far beyond her day care. For so many family, friends and even the stray soul, she was the person they leaned on when life became too difficult or uncertain. Her door was always open, her home never quiet and her table held a place for all. She had a way of drawing people in, making them feel safe and part of the family, always unconditionally. That was indeed her gift.

Her loving and caring spirit did not stop with people. She had a deep love for all her animals over the years. Numerous dogs, cats, rabbits turtles, you name it, Beckie took care of it. But her love and passion for her horses topped them all. She shared that love with her husband, Ron. What started as a love of riding in her midlife, developed into a community of cherished friends that were part of her family. Nothing made her happier than packing up her horse trailer and heading out to meet friends in Eminence, Pineville or anywhere else to ride, camp and fellowship with those that she loved who shared her passion for riding.

However the absolute center of Beckie's life was her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. They were her entire world. When her girls were young, she never missed a game, performance or her turn to drive all the friends wherever they wanted to go. It was her house where all the kids gathered then, and it stayed that way when she became a Grandma. Grandma's house was the steady, welcoming, home base for the whole family. There was always someone spending the night at Grandma’s house. Her adventures to Sonic, Target or one of the local boutiques for a special treat were times they all treasured.

Beckie will always be remembered for her beauty. Not just her physical beauty but also her beautiful soul. Her huge smile was infectious; her heart was full of love and joy. She was a strong and courageous woman facing tragedies, pain and illness, but she always smiled and persevered. She loved the Lord and First Christian Church where she was a lifelong member. She took great joy in serving the church as a Deaconette.

Beckie is survived by her husband, Ron Wallace, whom she married on May 21, 2004 in Miami, OK. Three daughters, Kim Black Lane (Steve), Kelly Black Cook and Kathy Roland Smith; Son, Tim (T.J.) Ramsey (Angela); Stepson Travis Wallace (Holly); Stepdaughters, Shaeleigh Snyder and Lesley Wallace; Grandchildren, Trenton Baugh (Tay), Jesse Smith,(Alyssa), Eli Smith (Hannah), Mason Lane, Cooper Cook, Sophie Lane, Kenley Cook, Kylee Cook, Jailee Wallace, Makenzie Ramsey, Annie Rogers, Stormie Ramsey, Piper Ramsey, Tucker Wallace, Cohen, Hadley and Leah; 8 great-grandchildren; Brother, Richard La Near (Ellen); Sister, Linda La Near; Nephews, Chad McCurry and Travis McCurry and Nieces, Maria Nance (Scott), Chelsea La Near Williams (Zane) and Tara Delveaux (Sean).

Visitation

Saturday, December 6th, 2025 | 10:00am - 11:00am

Funeral Service

Saturday, December 6th, 2025 11:00am
First Christian Church
409 W. 4th Street
Joplin, MO 64801