LeaAnne (Skip) Becker passed peacefully, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, at the age of 79. Born Aug. 13, 1934, to Janet (Bishop) and David Leaves, Skip grew up in the Philadelphia area and graduated from Haddonfield New Jersey in 1951. After marrying her first husband, James V. Withey, she moved to Ponca City, Okla. It was in the Midwest that she created her home and her legacy.
Skip was an intelligent, adventurous and passionate soul. She had a great love of literature, poetry, classical music, opera and the theater. In her earlier years she was active in the theater and was a charter member of the Ponca City Playhouse. She directed numerous productions and performed in various theatrical pieces. She was also well known for her interior decorating skills and her homes became an expression of both beauty and art.
Skip then met and fell in love with Donald E. Becker, husband of 35 years. They married Nov. 10, 1979, in Wichita. Together they had six children, Jim Withey, Alison Withey, Shelia Withey and David Becker, Kindrid Becker-Coyne and Danielle Becker-Greenwood. She has four beautiful granddaughters, Ainslee Withey, Gillian Withey, Sarah Withey and Catherine Greenwood. After raising her family she earned her B.A. from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and her masters of fine arts from Emporia State University. She has won several awards for academic achievement and creative writing. She has shared her love of language by teaching at both Northern Oklahoma College and Allen County Community College.
Upon retirement, Skip and Don moved from Ponca City to Iola. She was active in the community through volunteer poetry readings, an association with Thrive Allen County and was a strong supporter of ACARF.
Skip’s indomitable spirit will be greatly missed by her loving family, friends and community. She instilled in her family a sense of determination, strength and love of life and they will carry on her legacy. She has left her mark on the world, and it is indeed, a more beautiful place.
Skip will be interred in Hoisington, Kan. The family will hold a private celebration of her life when the spring flowers bloom.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that heartfelt donations be made to ACARF, 305 E. Hwy 54, LaHarpe, KS 66751.
‘Skip’ Becker
