Kalaya Tipler Beck, 56, of Midlothian, passed away September 4, 2019 at Baylor Scott and White Heart and Vascular Hospital, Dallas. A Celebration of Life will take place at a date that is yet to be determined.

Kalaya was born on September 5, 1962 in Bangkok, Thailand and immigrated to the United States with her family in 1974, settling in Albany, Georgia. She was a 1981 graduate of Albany High School. A proud veteran, Kalaya served in the United States Air Force for four years, during which time she met her loving husband of 36 years, Phil. She earned her nursing degree from Greenville Technical College in 2006 and was a Registered Nurse for many years. Though she was a very accomplished woman, she was most proud of her children and the people they have become.

Kalaya enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, bragging about her children—two that are currently serving in the United States Navy, doting over her granddaughter, shopping, eating good food, and traveling. She was a collector of a variety of things, from plants and knick knacks to stray dogs. She was most loved for her playful humor, sassiness, strong will, and open heart.

She is preceded in death by her father Gerald R. "Jerry" Tipler, Sr., mother Sudjai "Sumalee" Tipler, brother Somchai "Dang" Tipler, and sister Debbie Auville.

Kalaya is survived by her husband, Phillip Beck, sons David Beck of Austin, Matthew Beck and wife Anna of Midlothian, Christian Beck of Midlothian, daughter Nicole Beck-Thorne and husband Jared of Tumwater, Washington, sisters Rhonda Bontrager and husband Sam of Hope, Indiana, Linda Smith and husband Marty of Woodville, Florida, Sarinee Ingrilli and husband Charlie of Ocala, Florida, brothers Gerald R. "Ronnie" Tipler, Jr. and wife Susan of Berwick, Pennsylvania, Brian Tipler of Albany, Georgia, Bobby Tipler of Albany, Georgia, granddaughter Adeline Beck, and was looking forward to the birth of her second granddaughter, due in October.