Joan "Jo" Becker

In the early morning hours of February 27, 2025, our beloved Joan ‘Jo’ Becker went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This was her favorite time of day, reminiscent of her much-loved hymn, In the Garden…when the dew was still on the roses.

Born on April 8,1938 in Buffalo, NY, she was a daughter of the late William Frederick Riek and Florence Baier Riek. She was also preceded in death by her cherished sister, Carol Riek Serth, as well as her son in law, Jan Rittner. Jo was a graduate of Kensington High School and retired from Christian Medical Foundation. She attended Celebration Community Church in Dillsburg and Paddletown United Methodist Church in Etters. Jo was involved with many Christian activities and was a past Sunday school teacher at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa, FL. She loved her family and enjoyed cooking and baking for them.

Those with the privilege of knowing her will miss her kindness, her sweet smile, her soft hands. Although how can we weep for her? She is now walking the streets of gold hand in hand with Jesus.

Jo leaves behind her husband Frederick M. Becker whom she adored. They met 73 years ago at a skating rink in Buffalo and were married for 68 years.

She also leaves behind a beautiful family who she loved beyond measure.

Her daughter Laurene (Mylar), her husband Van, and their children Honore and Grayson, and soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Abbey.

Her son Fred, his wife Cindy, and their children Matt Hennessey and his wife Tiffany, Jessica (Watts), her husband John, Fred, his wife Amy, and James, and his wife Shannon.

Her son Bill, his wife Barb, and their children Megan (Passeri), her husband Rob, Lindsay (McConnell) and her husband Matt, and Jacob and his wife Katie.

Her daughter Leslie (Rittner) and her daughter, Heather Grace.

Her daughter Mary Jo (Duvall), her husband Tim, and her children Kate and Sabrina, as well as their future sons-in-law, DJ and Anders.

As well as 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren that made her heart happy.

The world just is not as beautiful without you in it, Mom.

A memorial service will be held at 4 PM on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Panebaker Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, Inc., 311 Broadway. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001