Verna L Becker

 Verna Louise Koehn Becker was born on August 7, 1942, to William and Leona Dirks Koehn in the family farm house on the outskirts of Burns, Kansas.  On April 21, 2023, she departed this life on the farm she and Dad lived on for almost 55 years. She reached the age of 80 years. She enjoyed working outdoors. On the day of her passing she was busy doing what she loved.

    Her childhood was spent on her dad’s dairy farm. She attended Burns Elementary School, often walking the several blocks with her siblings. She felt God’s call and gave her heart to Him. On February 6, 1955, she was baptized by Minister Norman Eicher into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, remaining true to God and her vows all her life.  The Eden Congregation was her church home and meant much to her.

    On December 17, 1961, she was joined in marriage to me, Galen Becker, in Burns, Kansas. We shared 62 happy years together. Our first months were spent in Tucumcari and Gallup, New Mexico, finishing service days. While at Tucumcari we lost our infant daughter, Carolyn.  After 1W Service we returned to Burns to make our living. We enjoyed our years farming together, working side by side to plant and harvest.  Various winters were spent rebuilding homes after disasters in Jamaica, Belize, and South Carolina. Verna gave her full support in these endeavors, washing clothes, cleaning, and cooking, often arising early and working late to keep things running smoothly.

    Verna’s faith was real to her. During difficult and trying times the quietness that would come to her as she prayed was a strength to us as a family. She had a simple, trusting faith in God, and He blessed her with His presence.

    Some of the things that were special to Verna were her flowers, bird watching, and feeding the squirrels. Sitting by her kitchen window was enjoyed by all of us as we viewed her animals.  Walking and being friends with the dog was one of the simple pleasures in her life.

    Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Galen; daughters: Arlene and husband Randy Giesel, Burns, Kansas; Mary Lou and husband Kelsey Unruh, Albertville, Alabama; Jan and husband Thayne Schafer, Murray, Kentucky; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.

    She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Carolyn, her parents, parents in-law, 2 brothers, 1 sister, and 3 sister in-laws.

    The family sincerely thanks each one that cared for our loved one on the evening of her passing. Your kind words, and food that was provided are much appreciated.  May God bless each one of you.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Eden Church of God in Christ, Mennonite in Rural Burns, Kansas. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday evening at Petersen Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Eden Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to to Gospel Tract and Bible Society or Christian Public Service (CPS) and left in care of the funeral home.