Mary Elizabeth Becker, age 75 of Marion, formerly of Marengo, died Saturday morning, February 5, 2011 at her home from complications of cancer.  Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 9, 2011, First United Methodist Church, Marengo. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s and Paul’s Cemetery, Watkins. Visitation: 4 to 8 P.M. Tuesday, February 8, 2011, Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. A memorial fund has been established.

She is survived by her daughters, Joyce Kitson (Mike) of Marengo, Theresa Anderson (Tom) of Lynnville and Gail Bailey (Maurice) of Marengo; five grandchildren, Jim Kitson (Yuka), Chris Kitson (John Kearbey), Wesley Reinhardt, Jr. (Chantal), Susie Coonrod (Brent) and Katie Becker; five great-grandchildren, Makayla, Anthony, Katrina, Elias “E.J.” and Xander and one due to arrive in March. Also surviving is a brother Louis Knapp, Jr. (Marge) of Marengo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Raymond Knapp, a sister Betty Herman, and two infant daughters, Karen and Elizabeth.

Mary Elizabeth Knapp was born March 10, 1935 in rural Springville, Iowa, the daughter of Louis Edward and Rosey Schley Knapp. She received her early education in the Linn County and Marion schools and attended high school in Norway and Conroy. She received her high school diploma from Kirkwood High School in 1986. Mary married Michael W. Becker on October 23, 1952 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Marengo. The couple later divorced. She married Myron “Ron” Miller and they later divorced. Mary worked at the Amana Woolen Mills, Collins Radio and Amana Refrigeration. She also worked for over 20 years as a baker for several Amana restaurants and the farmers’ markets. Pies were her specialty.  Mary was a member of the Marengo American Legion Auxiliary and the Cowboy Church in Shueyville.