Beverly Jean Becker

Beverly Jean Powell Becker, 89, of Grand Junction, CO, passed away on July 03, 2026, in the presence of family, trusted caregivers, and her loving God. Beverly was born June 12, 1937, the eldest daughter of Elmer Peter Powell and Amanda Harrison Powell.

She graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1955, earned a Bachelor of Social Work at Wichita State University in 1974, earned Master of Social Work and Master of Psychology degrees at the University of Kansas in 1978, and was subsequently licensed in Kansas, ACSW, LSCSW. In her career, Beverly worked as House Parent, Social Worker, Family Counselor, Psychologist, Adoption Specialist, Reiki Healer, and Exorcist. She was a lifelong disciple of Christ, serving the Lord most notably at Central Church of Christ (1968-1991), where she led the wedding ministry and the women’s ministry; and Grace Presbyterian Church (1991-2016), where she served as a deacon of the church.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Clayton Lowell Becker, her sister Karen Stillwell, her grandson Alexander Joseph Yocum, and her niece Lana Hoagland Moler. She is survived by her daughter, Ginger Lee Yocum (John Robert “Bob”) of Houston, TX; son Michael Scott Becker (Nancy) of Lincoln, NE; daughter Marsha Kay Becker of Hayden, CO; son Joseph Peter Becker (Emily) of Hayden, CO; sisters Dixie Nelson (Leon) and Judy Dickinson; grandchildren Nicolette Yocum Munguia-Boatz; Carrie Reed (Christopher); Jacob Godlewski (Odile); Trisha Baer; nieces and nephews (in alphabetical order) Becky, Chris, Don, Jay. Kelly, Kim, Rick, and Ron; eleven great grandchildren; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Resthaven, 11800 W Kellogg Ave, Tuesday, 5-7 PM. The Funeral will be Wednesday, 2:00 PM, at the RiverWalk Church of Christ, 225 N. Waco Street, at 2:00 PM. (Please park on the south side of the building).

Why Should I Come to THIS Funeral?

My mother moved away from Wichita 10 years ago, and it’s easy to forget people when they’re not actively present. So allow me to refresh your recollections of her, and how she may have touched your life.

Did you or did someone you know benefit from the ministry of Maude Carpenter’s Children’s Home, the Bill Rhodes Field House, Christ Villa Nursing Home, or the Apartments for the Aged, between 1968 and 1991? If so, come say Thank You.

Did Mom help you to adopt a child, or to be adopted into a family, in association with Family Life Services of Arkansas City? If so, we’d love to meet you.

Were you married at Central Church of Christ between 1978 and 1991? If so, you were served by the Wedding Ministry, and probably by my mother personally. We’d love to know how you and your family are doing.

Were you helped by the services of the Christian Counseling Center, the Family Counseling Center, or other iterations founded and staffed by my mother between 1979 and 2015? Drop by on Tuesday or Wednesday, and tell us your story.

Did you ever live under the Beckers’ roof? Or eat a meal at their home? Did you ever call WH2-7774 in the middle of the night, because you needed help and had nowhere else to turn? Mom prayed for you while Dad came to your aid. We hope things are better for you now.

Were you a member of Central Church of Christ in 1991, when Mom and Dad left suddenly under adverse circumstances? Of the 800+ members at that time, the number who reached out to them wasn’t zero—but zero was within a rounding error. Perhaps you didn’t know what was going on with them, or you didn’t realize they had left until their departure was too-far past to address it without embarrassment. Whatever the case, if you didn’t say goodbye then, come and say goodbye now. Friendly faces are worth far more to us now than weary-worn memories.

Were you a member at Grace Presbyterian Church from 1991 to 2016, where Dad served as an Elder, and Mom served as a Deacon, and where they were both members of the Steamers? We’d love to hear from you.

Or, maybe, you fought with Mom! Among Mom’s many qualities was a long memory. If you somehow got on her bad side, you likely stayed there for a long time. Well, if you went toe-to-toe with Beverly Becker during her lifetime, then now that she is toes-up, you’ve won! Come lay your weapons by, and opine, “For my enemy is dead, a woman divine as myself is dead.”

After leaving Wichita, Mom once told me through tears, “Your father and I really loved that city, but it didn’t love us back.” I’ve always hoped she was wrong about that. Come make my hope complete.

Grace and Peace,

Joe