Valerie Becker

Traverse City - Valerie M. Becker, 63, of Traverse City passed away Thursday, May 3, 2012 at her home nesr Spider Lake surrounded by her loving family.

Val was born on November 24, 1948 to the late Warren and Helen Wynne in Saginaw. She graduated from Arthur Hill High School and attended Delta College, where she was a member of Xi Alpha Epsilon Sorority.

Val entered into marriage with Robert F. Becker of Saginaw on May 17, 1969. Val spent the following 42 plus years as Bob's loving wife and best friend. Together they seemed like nomads, of sort, living in many different locations throughout Michigan. Their lives together began in Bridgeport with stops in Kalamazoo, Midland, Bay City, Grand Haven and finally Traverse City. At each stop, Val left behind countless friends and memories.

Throughout her working years, Val was employed by numerous businesses and excelled at each position she held. Val was most recently employed by a Traverse City marketing and advertising firm. Val's most important job however, was being a mom. She totally loved and was deticated to nurturing her three kids while Bob was pursuing his career in banking. She was everything her kids could have ever wanted in a mom, and then some.

Val loved to cook and entertain, especially at her favorite spot, Killarney Beach in Bay City, Pottawamie Bayou in Grand Haven and finally Spider Lake in Traverse City. She enjoyed reading and gardening and motorcycling with Bob on the Harley. Val was a lifelong fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Lions and New York Jets.

Val was co-owner of Sundance Soccer of Traverse City with her husband, Bob. Friends and customers often commented that when bob became to grumpy, they were pleased to find Val behind the counter and always with a smile.

Val is survived by her husband, Bob Becker of Traverse City, her daughter Kell (Jeff Phillips) of Toledo, OH, her son, Nathan Becker of Traverse City, one uncle, Charles Hise of Saginaw, an aunt, Nancy (Bill) Koski also of Saginaw, numerous cousins in Michigan and Texas, as well as many other loving family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Justin Becker in 2007, her parents, her sister Suzanne Seaman, an aunt, Barbara Hise, aunt and uncle, Irma and Ray Wittmuss.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Tim Moeggenberg will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation, Cherryland Humane Society or a charity of one's choice.