Linda McClain Beck

Linda McClain Beck, age 70, died peacefully in her sleep on January 23, 2019, following a years-long struggle with interstitial lung disease.
Linda was born November 8, 1948, in Toledo, Ohio, to Harold Franklin and Lucy McClain. After her father's death in 1951, her family moved to Salt Lake City. She graduated from East High School in 1967, and thereafter attended Brigham Young University, where she met Daniel Beck. They married in 1969 and had two sons together, Jeffrey and Matthew.
In 1973, Linda and Dan opened a store in Trolley Square that would later become the Basket Loft. After her divorce in 1984, Linda took sole ownership of the store, which she ran until it closed in 2013. Linda made the Basket Loft into one of Salt Lake's most beloved gift and home accessory stores, eventually comprising three locations with over 30 employees.
Linda loved music and theatre. In high school and college, she sang alto in an award-winning vocal quartet, and she continued to sing in musical groups throughout much of her life. She frequently attended plays and musicals and for the past two decades had season tickets at the Pioneer Theatre Company. Linda also loved travel. Her favorite destinations included Europe, Washington State, and Virginia.
Linda was a loyal and generous friend, and she formed deep and lasting friendships throughout her life. She had a keen sense of humor and incredible fortitude, both of which served her well during many years of serious health problems. She adored her two sons, their wives, and her three grandchildren. Spending time with them was the source of her greatest joy.
Linda is survived by her sister Peggy Carlson; brothers Dallas and Allen McClain; sons Jeffrey Beck (Kristen) and Matthew Archer-Beck (Sarah); and grandchildren Lucy, Samuel, and Rosalie Archer-Beck.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 2nd from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building. Linda will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Mount Olivet Cemetery.