Shirley Ann Gentzel Beck

Shirley Ann Gentzel Beck, 79, of Steubenville, OH passed into the presence of God on April 14, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. She was born June 28, 1946 in Bellefonte Pennsylvania to Harold and Eleanor Martin Gentzel. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, John Beck; sister, Linda Panik; nephew, Jonas Panik; and brother-in-law Martin Panik

Surviving are her wonderful daughters, Rochelle (Mike) Dale and Deborah Yusko and her four grandchildren whom she adored and loved. She loved being a Grandma. Also surviving are her sister, Judy Reese, and brother, Harold (Cathy) Gentzel, Jr.  

Shirley graduated from Bellefonte Area High School in 1964 and from Wheeling Jesuit College with a BA in Human Resources, which she proudly earned at the age of 50. Her co-worker and friend, Debbie Yoklic, encouraged her saying it was never too late to achieve her goal. 

Shirley worked as a hairdresser at Chez Cortez, a real estate agent for Teramana Century 21, and as a Human Resources coordinator for Valley Hospice and Weirton Medical Center. She also volunteered and served on committees at the late LaBelle View United Methodist Church; former Wintersville United Methodist Church; and on EOCUMC District & Conference committees. She was dedicated to helping others and improving lives and is loved by so many people. 

Shirley loved playing games with her grandchildren and Scrabble with her family, Prime Time and Residence friends.  Also she loved going to Grange Fair yearly with her family. She is remembered by many for her love, faith, dedication, natural ability to connect with people, humanity, fun and joy.

We will remember her with a Celebration of Life Service at Wintersville United Methodist Church in Wintersville, OH on Sunday, June 28th at 3:00 pm.

In addition, we will have a Celebration of Life Service at the Centre County Memorial Cemetery – Chapel Mausoleum in State College, PA on Saturday, July 11th at 1:00 pm.