Patti Jean McCracken Becker (1928-2017)
Patti Jean McCracken Becker of Williamsville, Mo., died Dec. 22, 2016, surrounded by family.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jim; three children, Bob (Pam) Becker of Williamsville, Dianne Becker of Kirkwood, and Brian (Toni) Becker of Williamsville; and five grandchildren: Kaylin, Andrea, Coulton, Benjamin and Jackson. She is also survived by her sister Ann (Joel) Fitzgerald of Ness City, Kan.; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde T. and Hettye McCracken and her twin brother, Donald Dean McCracken.
Patti was born in Tulsa, Okla., Aug. 20, 1928, and grew up in Ellsworth, Kan. She attended Kansas State University for a year and later received her AA degree from Three Rivers Community College.
She was known for her musical gift and singing voice, singing in many weddings, funerals and church services. Winning a singing contest in the 1940s, she performed with the Gene Autry Band. In the early 50s, she was introduced to a young soldier stationed at Fort Riley who convinced her to become a farmer’s wife in Southeast Missouri. She said she was homesick until they brought her piano from Kansas.
Life revolved around family, the farm and church. A longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Poplar Bluff and the Wesleyan Class, she often sang solos, taught Sunday School, and helped with special events. In the 1960s, the church released a record, “Patti Sings,” which featured hymns and church favorites, “How Great Thou Art” and “Sweet Little Jesus Boy.” In 1996, Patti and Jim became members of the Williamsville United Methodist Church, where she continued to volunteer her time and talents.
After her husband became a private pilot, Patti took flight lessons and soloed. Through out the years, she was involved with Missouri Home Extension Club, Wayne County Health Center, Cub Scouts and 4-H. For some years, she was a teacher’s aide at Williamsville Elementary School. The last 20 years, she has been an avid fan and cheerleader for her grandchildren’s baseball, basketball and volleyball games.
Patti and Jim were the featured cover story in Successful Farming in February 1964. The quintessential homemaker, she served outstanding meals, even when it was a picnic at the river, always had fresh flowers on the table — often from her own flower garden, and was known for her fashion sense, sewing all of her clothes.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, gathering at 12:30 for a one o’clock service, followed by visitation, at the Williamsville United Methodist Church in Williamsville, Mo.
Memorial donations may be made to the Williamsville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 218, Williamsville, Mo. 63967.