Irene M. Becker

Irene M. Becker, age 89, of Elizabeth, Illinois, died Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at the Elizabeth Nursing Home, Elizabeth. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 13, 2010, at the Church of St. Mary, Elizabeth, with Father Noel Jacob as Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 13, prior to the mass at the church. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Stockton, Illinois. Memorials may be given in Irene’s memory to the family.

Irene was born May 3, 1921, the daughter of John and Mary (Berg) Leitzen in Stockton, Illinois. She attended Tiger Whip Country School. On August 19, 1939, Irene married Kermit Walters. Kermit preceded her in death January 21, 1954. On September 19, 1966, she married Leroy Becker. Leroy preceded her in death May 4, 1999.

Irene owned and operated “Walters Tavern” in Elizabeth for many years. Irene was a member of the Church of St. Mary. She enjoyed quilting and playing cards. Most important to Irene was spending time with her family.

Irene will be dearly missed by her three sons, Gary (Eunice) Walters of Elizabeth, Ronald (Janice) Walters of Springville, California, and Randy (Deb) Walters of Elizabeth; seven grandchildren, Scott Walters, Rick (Karen) Walters, Dena (David) Brown, Cory (Lara) Walters, Justin (Lisa) Walters, Nathan Walters, and Kati (Dane) Myer; nine great grandchildren; and a brother, William (Bernadine) Leitzen of Gratiot, Wisconsin.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Kermit Walters; her second husband, Leroy Becker; four brothers and one sister, and thirteen half brothers and sisters.