Barbara J. (Voigts) BECKER

BECKER, VOIGTS, MILLER, FLORY, BECKETT, EASON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/18/2008 at 12:30:32

Barbara J. Becker, 70, died peacefully in her sleep at Oaknoll Retirement Center Monday, April 28, 2008. Memorial Services to celebrate Barbara's life will be Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 5 pm at Zion Lutheran Church. Pastor Mark Pries and Pastor Jan Rippentrop will officiate. The family will greet friends today, from 5 to 7 pm at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Community School District Foundation for the Mark Twain Media Center.

Barbara was born February 24, 1938 in Greene, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Hulda Miller Voigts. Barbara was raised on a farm near Vilmer, Iowa, where she was active in 4-H. Barbara graduated from Greene High School and was a 1959 graduate of Wartburg College, and later received a degree in Library Science from the University of Iowa. Barbara married Louis Becker on August 14, 1960 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Vilmer. They later divorced.

Barbara and Louis lived in Humboldt, Iowa, where she taught at the Clarion and Dakota Schools before becoming a mother. After moving to Iowa City in 1969 and completing her degree in Library Science, Barbara became the teacher-librarian at Robert Lucas Elementary School where she remained for over twenty years. She then opened the library at Kate Wickham Elementary School, where she remained for six years until her retirement in 2003. It was always Barbara's dream to travel. Barbara has traveled to Alaska, Australia, Germany, Spain, Greece, Africa, and to numerous Iowa bowl games and NCAA wrestling tournaments. Barbara was a weekly Rockin' Reader volunteer at Mark Twain Elementary School, where her daughter teaches second grade. Throughout her time as a teacher, librarian, and volunteer, Barbara instilled the love of reading in many students. She was a great friend to many and an inspiration to all. Barbara was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, NEA and ISEA, Delta Kappa Gamma, Hancher Guild, University Club, Red Shoes Club and numerous book clubs. Barbara was an avid Hawkeye fan and season ticket holder for Iowa, especially football and wrestling. She loved to read, knit and was learning to quilt. Most of all she enjoyed watching her grandchildren compete in football, wrestling, basketball, track, and horse shows at the Johnson County Fair and Iowa State Fair. She was very proud of all her grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by her two children, Karen (Kurtis) Flory of Ainsworth and Mark Becker of Iowa City; her beloved grandchildren, Jordin, Dakoda and Cheyenne Flory; her two sisters, Dr. Anne Voigts (Dr. Ralph Beckett) of Cedar Rapids and Jane (Dr. Bruce) Eason of Mission, TX; her niece, Rachel Eason and nephews, Robert, Ross and Marshall Eason; and her former spouse and dear friend, Louis. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her faithful dogs Salty, Chelsea and Molli.

Iowa City Press-Citizen (IA)
April 30, 2008