Dorothy Marie Becher

Dorothy was born February 19th, 1923 in Columbus, Ohio to Lawrence and Lillian Spiers. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Howard Haynes Yoakem, her 4 brothers Lawrence Jr., Emmett, Albert, Monsignor Edward Spiers and her second husband Dr. Ralph Becher.

She earned a Nursing Degree from Mount Carmel School of Nursing. Dorothy married Dr. Howard Haynes Yoakem and raised 5 children in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Following the death of her first husband, Dorothy remarried Dr. Ralph Becher. They moved to Bellaire, Michigan where together they started a veterinary practice in the small rural community.

Dorothy led a life of service both as a nurse and as a staunch advocate for Mental Health support services. Dorothy served as a board member for Antrim County Michigan Mental Health Services for many years.

Dorothy loved to make hand sewn quilts, pottery, gardening, playing golf and any kind of card or board games with a good glass of wine!

She is survived by her loving children, son Richard and Joann Yoakem, daughter Cyndy Kirkham and Bob Ladd, son Don and Carolyn Yoakem, daughter Judy and Al Kohl, son Paul and Kelly Yoakem, Grandchildren and Great grandchildren.

A memorial funeral mass will take place at 1p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Our Lady of Light Catholic Church in Estero, Florida. The address for the church is 19680 Cypress View Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33967

Fr. Hugh J. McGuigan, OSFS, Pastor will officiate.