Ruth Marie Becker, nee Walters, 100, of New Athens, IL, born October 5, 1920 in Lenzburg, IL passed away on Friday July 16, 2021 at the New Athens Home for the Aged in New Athens, IL. She received her Lenzburg High School diploma in 1936. She married Earl W. Becker on July 11, 1937 in a marriage parlor in Waterloo, IL.  In 1970, she obtained her IL Dept. of Registration and Education as an IL Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen license.  Mrs. Becker worked along side her husband, Earl as his bookkeeper and co-owner of Hi-Way Lumber Co. in New Athens, IL, which they built in 1943 and eventually sold in 1980 to their nephew Jim Newman and his wife Judy. During that same time they built Red Bud Lumber Company in 1954 which they later sold as well.

Mrs. Becker was preceded in death by her parents; Henry and Lena (Frech) Walters, her beloved husband Earl W. Becker, who passed away on April 3, 1988, son; Gary Becker, brother; Albert “Tom” Walters, two sisters; Fern Adamson and Violet “Nooks” Newman and great grandson; Justin Little.

Ruth is survived by her daughter and son-in-law ; Sondra and Jim Meyer of New Athens, granddaughter; Kim (Bill) Fitzgerald of Kirkwood, MO and their children; Jamie (Dr. Andrew) Brown and Kate Fitzgerald and their grandchildren; Benjamin and Maisie Brown, granddaughter; Lori (Rob) Parks of Belleville, IL, grandson; Jon (Paula) Meyer of New Athens, IL, their daughter; Dylayna and their grandchildren; Zander Campbell and Roman Lemberg, grandson; Jeffrey Becker of FL, grandson; Ryan (Kindrea) Becker of GA and their children; Caleb, Maddie and Alex Becker, daughter-in-law; Carolyn Becker of FL, former daughter-in-law; Roberta Becker Farr of FL, special nephew; James (Judy) Newman and his family and by other nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to the New Athens Ambulance Service, Shriners Hospital for Children or to the donor’s choice.

Visitation:  Friends and family may gather from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday July19, 2021 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL.

Funeral: Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday July19, 2021 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL with Rev. Dr. Robert Koch officiating.  Interment will follow at Oakridge Cemetery in New Athens, IL.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Karen Hood Putman says:

   07/18/2021 at 5:30 pm

   Sondra & Jim: my sympathies to you & your family during this difficult time. I lost my mom 7 years ago, and it still leaves a BIG void in my life and heart. May our God sustain you and comfort you.

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2. Tammy Trent Rickert says:

   07/17/2021 at 2:05 pm

   So sorry to hear of the passing of Ruth Becker. My dad has slot of memories of Earl and Ruth. She had a great life.

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   • Don and Dorothy Bollmeier says:

     07/19/2021 at 10:44 am

     Dear Sondra and Jim,
     We were sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was such a beautiful lady. Treasure all the happy memories she left with you, keeping them and her always close in your heart.

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3. Jeanne L Jansen says:

   07/17/2021 at 9:24 am

   Sondra and family you have my sympathy on your Mom’s passing. She was a special lady. Always had a smile in her face❣ Cherish all your wonderful memories.

   Jeanne Jansen

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4. Jill&Stan says:

   07/16/2021 at 7:05 pm

   Our thoughts and prayers are with Sondra, Jim, and their family. We had the pleasure of visiting Ruth often when we stayed with Jim and Sondra. God’s blessings to all of you.
   Love
   Stan and jill

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   • Dan Knewitz says:

     07/17/2021 at 5:11 pm

     Sondra & Jim My thoughts and prayers are with you. The loss of a parent leaves a big void in your life. My deepest sympathy on you mother’s adding. Dan

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     • Dan Knewitz says:

       07/17/2021 at 5:26 pm

       I meant “your mother’s passing”. Sorry for the typo.

       Reply