Marie Anne Becker of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died early Thursday morning, May 14, 2009, in the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell at the age of 97 years.

Marie Anne Becker was born on February 16, 1912, on a farm south of Lehigh, Kansas, to Gearhardt "George" Penner and Helena (Hiebert) Peters. She grew up in Lehigh, along with her eight brothers and sisters, attending Lehigh Public Schools and Newton Public Schools graduating from Lehigh High School in 1931. Following her education she began working for Montgomery Ward in Newton, Kansas, as a sales clerk before working as credit manager. She was later transferred with the company to Topeka, Kansas, where she became a store manager. She then moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where she worked in the regional office. She then moved to Blackwell where she continued to work for Montgomery Ward before transferring to the Stillwater where she continued as store manager. After eighteen years she retired and opened Tots and Teens Children's Clothing Store in Blackwell. She married Dr. L. H. Becker on April 5, 1960, in Blackwell and they made Blackwell their home where she became an instant mother and grandmother. Following twenty-eight years of marriage her husband preceded her in death in 1988 and she continued to make Blackwell her home. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Blackwell. She lived a long and love-filled life with dignity and determination. Her strong will and determination inspired those around her.

She is survived by one brother, Jim Peters of Hillsboro, Kansas; her daughter-in-law, Joyce Becker of Blackwell, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Becky and Dennis Hutton of Blackwell, Oklahoma, Kathy Becker of Edmond, Oklahoma, Susie and Chris Graves of Norman, Oklahoma, George and Susan Becker of Norman, Oklahoma, Phillip and Fran Fenton of Blue Springs, Missouri, Julia Coussens of Houston, Texas, Rena Masterson of Medford, Oregon, Anita and Jimmie Butler of Cedar City, Utah, LaDana and Kevin Cook of Peoria, Arizona, Hoolie and Cary Carter of Kennesaw, Georgia, Jeanne and Bob Santo of Phoenix, Arizona, Rick and Diane Becker of Phoenix, Arizona; and great grandchildren, Aaron Hutton, Laura Hutton, Mark Graves, Charlie Graves, Max Graves, Patrick Fenton, Kyle Fenton, Stephen Coussens, Michelle Coussens, Dillon Christensen, Tonya Christensen, Heather Butler, Marilyn Butler, Hilton Butler, Jimmie Butler Jr., Hollie Butler, Christina Cook, Craig Russell, Chelsea Carter, Cody Carter, Casey Carter, Danielle Birtcher, Clayton Birtcher, Shane Carlin and Lindly Carlin.

She was also preceded in death by her seven brothers and sisters; and her step-children, Daniel Oliver Becker, Donald Eugene Becker and Joy Becker Fenton.

Services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Monday, May 18th in the First Presbyterian Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Eric Dittman officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Stephen Coussens, Kyle Fenton, Mark Graves, Charlie Graves, Max Graves and Aaron Hutton. Patrick Fenton will serve as an honorary casketbearer.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Blackwell Regional Hospital Foundation in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.