Joy Becker

Joy Becker, 87, of Papillion, NE passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Joy was born on January 30, 1939, in Lebo, KS to Arthur and Ocie Benton. She graduated from Burlington (KS) High School in 1956.

Joy took certification courses in business communications and excelled in typing and shorthand. She held various secretarial jobs, before falling in love and marrying her beloved Larry on June 5th, 1957. They soon welcomed their first child, Rod, and after Larry received his degree from Emporia State Teachers College they moved to Littleton, CO, where Larry began his teaching career. Joy was Larry’s biggest supporter and sidekick as he taught and coached for the next 40 years. Teaching and coaching were more than a career for Larry, and Joy enthusiastically embraced her role as “Coach’s Wife” – attending all of Larry’s games, meets, & tournaments. The door was always open at the Becker home – to students and athletes needing counsel or just wanting to hang out. Joy was famous for hosting Larry’s teams, and together, they were a positive presence in the lives of young people – many of whom became lifelong friends.

Joy’s greatest satisfaction in life was being a wife, mom, and homemaker, and while in Littleton and early in their marriage, Larry nominated her for the Mrs. Littleton Homemaker competition – an annual community competition to crown the city’s top housewife – and to Larry’s delight and pride, Joy won. Joy willingly babysat and taught piano lessons early in their marriage to supplement their income – while still being able to be a full-time mom. Larry and Joy also welcomed Kayla and Jeff while in Littleton, and once Jeff started kindergarten, Joy went to work as a secretary in the attendance office of a local high school.

Wanting to be closer to family, Joy and Larry reluctantly left Littleton and relocated to Great Bend, KS in 1974. Joy quickly landed a job at Landmark Savings and Loan, where she worked for 25 years – eventually retiring as a mortgage loan officer. Larry retired from teaching shortly after, and they moved to Papillion, NE to be near their daughter Kayla, and family.

Joy was a doting grandma and hosted Christmas cookie decorating parties, sleep overs, Easter egg hunts, and a host of other fun activities. She also volunteered for 15 years in the library at the elementary school where several of the grandkids attended. She rarely missed a concert, sporting event, ceremony, or other grandkid event. Joy and Larry’s home was always open and full – of family, friends, church small groups, or out of town visitors. Joy was the consummate hostess and loved sharing their home with others. Even as she struggled with Alzheimer’s in recent years, Joy would make every attempt to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in her home – and continued to welcome visitors as much as she was able. Joy also supported Larry in his role as an elder at the Great Bend, KS Church of Christ and Southwest Church of Christ, in Omaha.

Joy is survived by two children – Kayla Banister, and husband, Brent, of Papillion,NE; and Jeff Becker, and wife, Brenda, of Spring, TX. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry, and her older son, Rod. Rod’s wife, Fabiola, lives in Ankeny, IA. Joy has nine grandchildren – Fabiola (and husband, Jose); Fernanda; Sophie; Logan (and wife, Megan); Spencer (and wife, Aimee); Molly (and husband, Zach); Mason (and wife, Kelli); Aaron; Levy; and four great-grandchildren, Diego; Anthony; Elena; and Milo. Joy is also survived by her “Bonus” daughter, Beverly (Wilms) Nobrega, husband, Paul, and daughters Madison, Bailey, and Kendal. Joy was also an adored aunt and is survived by five beloved nephews and a niece – in addition to a host of other extended family and dear friends. Joy was a gentle soul, who quietly personified her name. She loved the Lord, her sweet Larry, her family, and her friends so well. Her legacy of quiet humble service will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.