Elizabeth Becker

Elizabeth Ann Becker cherished much in her life. She led a full and richly blessed life with the love of family and in the company of others. A loving mother, grandmother and friend too many, Elizabeth leaves many memories to be cherished. She will be truly missed.

The year was 1919 and Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President and the 18th amendment to the Constitution was established, prohibiting the sale of alcohol anywhere in the United States. The dial telephone was introduced and the pogo stick was the favorite of neighborhood children. It was following the end of World War I, and American cities everywhere were looking for ways to prosper and grow their economies. In the small community of Kingston, located just on the southern edge of Oklahoma, Walter and Clara (Flynt) Settliff were finding prosperity of their own when they welcomed the birth of a baby girl they named Elizabeth Ann on May 3, 1919.

Elizabeth grew up in the family home alongside her older brother Karl, and her younger brother, known as E.B. Elizabeth’s father served as the County Treasurer. Her mother, a talented and gifted artist, often bartered her paintings in exchange for music lessons for the children, and dance lessons for Elizabeth. Her most beloved memories as a young girl were times spent visiting relatives in the country. Times were hard following the war in Kingston. Faced with drought and crop infestations through the 1920s, the farmers in the area faced great difficulty. Even so, Elizabeth’s parents provided well for their family, and saw to it that she received her formal education.

It was during World War II that Elizabeth received news that her brother Karl had died from injuries sustained on D-Day. Her younger brother E.B., died when his plane was shot down over the Sea of Japan. This proved to be a difficult time for Elizabeth and her mother. Their faith was a source of strength and comfort. Elizabeth decided to attend the local community college. She enjoyed her time in college, later becoming a dental assistant.

With the war continuing to rage, dental assistants were in high demand at the base in Fort Sill Oklahoma. Elizabeth joined the Civil Service and went to help take care of teeth. While at Fort Sill, Elizabeth went out with friends and through a mutual friend met a strapping young Air Corp pilot named Lieutenant John W. Becker, better known as Bill. Bill was quite friendly and outgoing. They began to date, and when Bill was sent off to war, their love continued to grow through the exchange of letters. Bill was so certain that Elizabeth was the girl for him; he even sent her all of his money, which she in turn safely placed in the bank.

With money saved to begin their new life together, Bill and Elizabeth didn’t waste time getting married after he returned home from the war. On January 31, 1946, they exchanged vows in the home of Elizabeth’s aunt in Durant, Oklahoma. Their honeymoon was a trip on the train to Greensburg, Pa. to share their happiness and get reacquainted with his dad and younger brother. After that the young couple set up roots in Madill Ok, and together owned and operated Becker’s Food Market for many years. In time, they were blessed with the birth of their only child, a daughter they named Marion.

Some years later when the Korean Conflict was going on Bill was called back to active duty. They had just sold the market, so he was stationed on a base in Arkansas and Elizabeth and Marion stayed at home in Oklahoma. When the conflict was over Bill continued to work in the food industry as a broker. A transfer moved the family to West Virginia. Elizabeth stayed home and cared for the household. Elizabeth loved to bake, especially sweets. Anything chocolate was a favorite

Eventually, the family was transferred to Fennville, Michigan, beginning yet another chapter in Elizabeth’s life. She was always outgoing and fit right in to her new surroundings and life in Michigan. She worked as a substitute teacher, and later found satisfaction and enjoyment teaching in the Migrant Program until her retirement in 1979. Always active in church, Elizabeth continued to be involved whether she was attending Fennville United Methodist Church or later First United Methodist Church in Holland. Elizabeth loved to be with people, often finding the good in everyone and complimenting them on their various traits and talents.

Ever since they lived in Oklahoma, Elizabeth and Bill were passionate about golf and developed the skills to be excellent golfers .They loved playing golf together or with the many friends they made over the years both at home and in Florida during their retirement years. She played until about 3- 4 years ago, then she watched Tiger and others play on television.

Along with watching golf, Elizabeth found enjoyment watching her favorite old TV shows like Andy Griffith and Little House on the Prairie.

With her own sense of fashion, Elizabeth always took great care with herself and was particular in the way she looked.

In 1971, she and Bill made a memorable trip to Germany to visit their daughter Marion and husband Rick who was serving in the Air Force. On that trip, they also were able to visit Munich, Austria as well as France where Bill had the opportunity to show Elizabeth firsthand where he served during his time in the war.

Some of Elizabeth and Bill’s most treasured days together were spent celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and the birth of their grandchildren. Sadly, Elizabeth’s beloved Bill died in February of 1996. Her family was her most prized and blessed gift, and she relied on and cherished her daughter Marion and her family. Elizabeth always kept close to her heart and cherished as well, her mother’s paintings and antiques, always finding a prominent and special place to display them in her home.

Elizabeth Ann Becker lived a full and rich life. She leaves many memories for her family and friends to cherish. Her greatest joy was the love for her family and being in the company of others. She will be truly missed.

On Saturday, February 7, 2009, Elizabeth passed away at Oak Crest Manor in Holland at the age of 89. She is survived by her daughter, Marion (Rick) Haynes, of Grandville and grandchildren, Nicholas (Becca) Haynes of Louisville, Kentucky and Sarah Haynes of San Francisco, California. A Memorial Service to celebrate Elizabeth’s life will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church with the Revs. Dennis Perkins and Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald officiating. Burial will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery. Visitation will be 3-5 and 7-9 PM on Friday at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes-Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.