Lois Becker

Lois Ann Kinnamon Becker, age 98, died on June 30 under hospice care at her Dublin residence after a short hospital stay. Lois was a lifelong source of ideals and strength for a family spanning six generations. She was especially esteemed as the senior surviving member of her family’s "greatest generation" cohort.

Lois came of age during a time of worldwide turbulence and conflict that required many to rethink their ideas of what was right and attainable. Blessed with strong and supportive maternal grandparents and by parents who succeeded in both farming and business, Lois was the first in her family to attend college. Though she completed studies in commerce, as urged by the father whom she adored, her deeper interest was journalism – a talent that she nurtured through contributions to the Ohio State Lantern and the Grove City Record.

After graduating from college, Lois set aside her literary ambition in favor of the domestic commitments that absorbed so many American women after World War II. With marriage to fellow OSU graduate Robert Lee Becker in 1947, Lois expanded relations beyond her strong southern Ohio roots to include the energetic lineage of the united Becker/Wetzel families from Columbus, Wapakoneta and Ashland, Ohio. Strong bonds with college classmates (especially Lois's Phi Mu sorority sisters) and fellowship at Indianola Presbyterian Church were sources of lifelong friendships for Lois and Bob. Much of life was very mainstream – especially an eight-year span helping to make the baby boom generation (Robert Lee Jr, James Curtis and Michael Christian). However, Lois and Bob clearly diverged from their peers in choosing to build their home at the rural/suburban interface that was Perry Township, Franklin County, Ohio in the 1950's.

Through a half-century in residence at their 3.7 acres of lawn and gardens on Henderson Rd, Lois and Bob consciously aimed to build on the best that can be had from strong education and hard work. Breadwinner and homemaker largely defined the roles for the pair over a decade or two, sometimes with differing methods for reaching their goals. Lois was the spark plug for social comity and engagement, whether within or beyond the household. Family gatherings were big events, especially for meals described by the younger set as "feasts". Husband Bob was an enthusiastic partner, especially once convinced that practical stuff was getting done. In running the household, Lois and Bob each benefitted from and somehow accommodated the will of the other.

Lois's unsurpassed contribution was in keeping people together and moving forward, whether for work or for leisure. This could be challenging given three sons who had their own agendas. Completing chores typically meant that Lois pitched in too, often with a diversion. Picking berries? Eat as much as you want. Picking a bushel of beans? Better wash/snap/can them before eating. Making corn fritters? Bring in the ears of corn and leave the kernel-splitting knife with me.

Lois was devoted to physical activity, especially if it was both vigorous and social. The summer-long badminton courts that she kept at her childhood home were a yearly neighborhood attraction. She extended her enthusiasm for roller skating to new activities for her young family, even at risk to herself – e.g., ice skating (one broken kneecap) and downhill skiing (one cracked tailbone). She took a shot at canoeing and even whitewater rafting. But Lois found her most gratifying athletic niche in cross-country skiing with one of her oldest friends near their two homes and in golfing with new friends at Brookside Country Club.

Her passion for antiques was aptly demonstrated by the decorations in her home. Her three sons were all too aware of this fondness when, for instance, while on vacation an antique shop was spotted and the boys had to spend hours in the car while Lois and Bob went antiquing. Somehow, she even found the time to open an antique shop with her good friend Ruth Mast in historic downtown Dublin, Ohio.

Lois's sociability was almost always wedded to deep curiosity about the world around her. Her numerous bridge clubs gave insight on the lives and welfare of good friends. Likewise, her book club memberships showed her friends' values and opinions. Together, Lois and Bob sought out knowledge and experience from far beyond Ohio. First was their engagement with the American Field Service (AFS), through which they hosted a teen from the Republic of the Philippines for his high school senior year – a big learning experience for all concerned and one leading to everlasting international family ties. Other students, from various countries for various times, followed at Henderson Rd. Outreach went both ways as Lois, usually with Bob and sometimes solo, greatly enjoyed international travel – e.g. to Europe, the Philippines, Japan, China, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia.

As her children grew up, Lois found new outlets for her curiosity and talents. One of these was in training for and then conducting her career as an elementary school teacher. Lois was first a substitute teacher. Soon, after returning to OSU to earn her teaching certificate, Lois taught full-time at Stiles Elementary School in the Southwestern School District and then for multiple years (mainly for third grade) at Windermere Elementary School in Upper Arlington. In retirement, Lois continued teaching by tutoring disadvantaged students – usually elementary or middle school teens with limited English proficiency.

Undoubtedly one of Lois's greatest sources of enjoyment and satisfaction was her return to journalism and creative writing. From the 1960's through the 2010's, Lois was always hunting for story ideas and writing articles for publication – usually in the Columbus Dispatch Sunday Magazine Section or The Ohio State University Alumni Magazine. Topics were wide-ranging – almost whimsical (sky diving in the early 60's), or human interest (an OSU alum's success on Broadway; the 50th anniversary of aviatrix Jerrie Mock's around-the-world flight); honor flights for veterans visiting America's newly dedicated World War II Memorial) or novel (use of rescue dogs to detect remains of victims from the 9/11 attacks). Not every idea led to a published result, but the research itself was gratifying and an endless source of conversation with family and friends. One published product stays with Lois's family as an heirloom – her children's book with Robert Davidson titled It's the Work of the Wind.

Lois enjoyed generally excellent health until her late 80’s, when hearing loss and musculoskeletal/immunological issues gradually limited her activities. She had to discontinue participation in her beloved bell choir at Covenant Presbyterian Church where she and Bob had worshiped for decades. Despite these setbacks, and the loss of Bob in 2007, Lois pressed on with getting and giving the best that life can offer. She was always setting/striving toward goals for physical and mental improvement. Up to her last days, Lois was a surefire partner for anyone suggesting a game to play or a puzzle to solve. She made, lost, and again made many new friends at the Senior Star independent and assisted living facilities in Dublin, Ohio. The COVID pandemic did not cramp her style, as she continued to enjoy interactions with friends and family, in person and online, and had several extended stays with one son's family in Maryland. Lois was deeply loved by her family. Every person who knew Lois is immeasurably richer for having been in her company.

Lois was born August 1, 1925, to Kathryn Alice Stock Kinnamon and George Curtis Kinnamon. She grew up with her brother, George Jr, at her parents' Grove City home. Lois was especially close to her maternal grandparents, Ferdinand and Emma Maehl Stock and their nearby extended families. She loved and often visited with numerous paternal aunts, uncles and cousins in Chillicothe, Ohio and Ross County.

Lois was a proud graduate of Briggsdale Elementary School, Starling Junior High School, Central High School and The Ohio State University (B.S., Business, 1947). She was a lifelong member and supporter of OSU's Phi Mu sorority. She attended and was a member of Indianola Presbyterian Church (Columbus) and Covenant Presbyterian Church (Upper Arlington). Lois married Robert Lee Becker on October 26, 1947. They resided from 1956 until 2006 on Henderson Road just northwest of Columbus, where they raised their sons Robert Jr (1950), James (1952) and Michael (1958).

Lois was predeceased in death by her parents, her husband Robert L. Becker; her brother George C. Kinnamon Jr; George's wife Mary Lou Kinnamon; and her daughter-in-law Janet Becker. She is survived by her three children: Dr. Robert L. Becker (Regina), James C. Becker, and Michael C. Becker (Shelia); seven grandchildren: Eric J. Becker, Kyle J. Becker (Nicole Puhl), Kristen E. Becker, Andrea Becker, Jeffrey Becker, Aaron Eisel (Julie Hanser) and Alyssa Eisel Baumann (Richard); and eight great-grandchildren: Evelyn Becker, Sydney Becker, Cameron Becker, Abigail (Eisel) Kaiser, Lucy Baumann, Garrett Baumann, Lily Morris and Quinn Morris.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 28 at Covenant Presbyterian Church located at 2070 Ridgecliff Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221. A reception will follow at Scioto Country Club, 2196 Riverside Drive. The live stream of the service will be available at Covenant's webpage at https://www.covenantpcusa.org/