Becker, Mary (Molly) Elizabeth (1891-1973)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 17 May 1973 p. 8

Birth date: 1891 December 25, Kansas

text of obituary

• Memorial services for Sister Mary Elizabeth Becker, 81, long-time dietician at Bethel Deaconness [sic] Hospital, were held the afternoon of May 9 at the First Mennonite Church, Dr. Albert Epp, the pastor, officiated. Sister Mary Elizabeth died May 7 at the Bethel Home for Aged where she had resided since 1969. She was a registered dietician at the hospital for 34 years, retiring in 1966. She joined the Bethel Deaconess Sisterhood in 1933 and was ordained as a deaconess in 1939. Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Anna Ratzlaff of Meno, Okla., and one brother, Bernard A. Becker of North Newton.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 24 May 1973 p. 11

text of obituary

MARY ELIZABETH BECKER

Mary Elizabeth Becker was born Dec. 25, 1891, on a farm in McPherson County near Moundridge, Kan. to Adam and Elizabeth (Unruh) Becker. With her parents she moved to Meno, Okla. in her childhood. She was baptized in the Hopedale Mennonite Church at Meno, and has always retained her membership in the Mennonite Church.

She attended the Penner Preparatory School at Hillsboro, Bethel Academy and College in North Newton, the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, the University of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Phillips University of Enid, Okla. She studied both Bible and music, and taught Bible and music at John Brown College, Siloam Springs, Ark. She served as instructor of music at Oklahoma Bible Academy in 1920-1921.

When she received a call from the Bethel Deaconess Sisterhood in 1928, she considered it a call from God to enter full-time Christian work. She then attended Bethel College from 1929 until 1932, majoring in nutrition. She received the Bachelor of Science degree in the spring. She was urgently needed at the Bethel Deaconess Hospital as a dietitian, and she accepted that position and served faithfully for many years.

Sister Mary Elizabeth became a member of the Bethel Deaconess family, receiving the probationer's garb in 1933 and since then was known as Sister Mary Elizabeth. She was ordained as deaconess by Rev. J. E. Entz on June 11, 1939. Her thorough training in music and her firm soprano voice have been a wonderful asset to the deaconess institution where these talents found expression in many ways.

In 1966 Sister Mary Elizabeth's health was such that she retired from her responsibilities as dietitian. In 1969 she was admitted to the Bethel Home and continued to receive care until May 7, 1973, when the Lord called her to her home. Of the immediate family, she leaves one brother, Bernard Becker of North Newton, and one sister, Mrs. Anna Ratzlaff of Meno, Okla.

Memorial services were held May 9 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Mennonite Church in Newton, with Dr. Albert Epp in charge. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery beside her sister Eva and brother Curt.

Birth date: 1891 December 25, Kansas
Date of Death: 1973 May 7, Kansas

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MLA Personal Photos Collection

Biographical note:
Meno, Oklahoma
Daughter of Adam Cornelus and Elizabeth (Unruh) Becker
Deaconess -- 1933-1966 Bethel Hospital, Newton, Kansas

Bethel alumni note:
Bethel Academy 1917
Bethel College BS 1932
Joined Bethel Deaconess sisters 1933
Ordained as Deaconess 1939

Photo holdings:
Individual -- 1917 Bethel College Graymaroon p. 38
Individual -- Newton, Kansas
Individual -- 1931 Bethel College Graymaroon p. 31
Individual, as deaconess

Sources: