Collection 00/MS.147 - Honora Becker Papers

from obituary in Mennonite Weekly Review, 29 Apr 1982, p. 7 Newton, Kan. -- Honora E. Becker, long-time English professor at Bethel College, North Newton, died Apr. 27 at the age of 82. In recent years she had lived at Bethel Home for the Aged in Newton. A graveside service is planned for 1:30 p.m. on Apr. 30 at Greenwood Cemetery, to be followed by a 2:30 p.m. memorial service at the Bethel College Mennonite Church, North Newton. She was born at Junction City, Ore., but grew up in Gotebo, Okla. A 1924 graduate of Bethel College, she taught in high schools in Attica, Abbyville and Buhler until 1938, while taking graduate study in the summers at the University of Colorado. She received her master's degree from the university in English in 1938, after which she joined the Bethel English faculty, wherre she served through 1968. She was named a full professor in 1958. Following retirement, she received the college's Distinguished Alumna Award in 1970, and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1972. Students and alumni twice paid her way to England in appreciation for her work. She was a member of the Bethel College Mennonite Church and served for many years on the literature commission. She also belonged to the American Association of University Women, and Delta Kappa Gamma, the honor society for women teachers. She is survived by a sister-in law, Elizabeth Becker of Raytown, Mo.”