Reta M. Becker, 90, of Norborne, formerly of California, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Saint John Hospital in Leavenworth, KS.
Reta was born on November 3, 1934, in North Hollywood, CA, the daughter of Jay C. and Mary Jane (Boulter) Poitevint. She was united in marriage to Curtis “Curt” Delyle Becker of Norborne on February 14, 1970; he preceded her in death on January 27, 2013.
Survivors include: son, James (Angela) Elder of Kansas City; four daughters: Gabrielle (Ron) Barto of Tonganoxie, KS, Wendy O’Neill of Encinitas, CA, Nancy Bienville (Cherie McCarthy) of Bryan, OH, and Barbara Green of Higginsville; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; four brothers: Bill Poitevint, Bob Pitevint, Loy Poitevint, and Gordon Poitevint; and four sisters: Zona Young, Lola Watkins, and Jeanette Cady.
In addition to her parents and husband, Reta was preceded in death by her brother, Don Poitevint, and three sisters, Mary Foucault, Cloey Keffer, and Willie B DeKorte.
Reta was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She dedicated her life to caring for her family and took great pride in being a homemaker. Reta enjoyed the simple pleasures in life – a good cup of coffee, a bit of chocolate, and time spent with those she loved. She could often be found working on word searches, cheering on her favorite sports teams, or relaxing with a movie on the Hallmark Channel. Above all, she cherished every moment she shared with her family.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Luke’s Heart Transplant Organization. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Private family inurnment will be in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements. Please remember to share your memories of Reta with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
