Ann Marie Becker Nilsson died Friday, May 3, 2024. She was born May 11, 1938.
Ann was the third child and only daughter of Stanton and Leona (Wagner) Becker of Genesee. Her earliest memories included summers spent with her dad, changing irrigation pipes at the “River Ranch” on the Snake River and trailing cows on horseback through Lewiston to summer pasture in the Three Bear area near Deary.
She attended the St Mary’s Catholic School in Genesee before transferring to the High School as a freshman. There she met Jon Nilsson, and they began a life-long romance that carried them through seven decades and life on two continents. She graduated valedictorian in 1956 and Magna Cum Laude from the University of Idaho in 1960. She received her Masters from the UI in 1962. She was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and her many “sisters” remained dear friends, maintaining a rigorous letter-writing effort for decades.
Ann and Jon were married Sept. 24, 1960, in Genesee, and moved to Lewiston, where Jon worked for Twin City Foods. In 1962 they welcomed daughter Caroline, followed by sons Kirk (1964) and Jon Stanton (1965).
In 1970 they were selected as a family to serve in the “Peace Corps Volunteer” program. They packed up their house and took kids ages 6, 7 and 9 to Botswana from 1971-74 and returned under a Near East Foundation contract until February 1977. In retrospect, Genesee farm kids moving and thriving in Africa was unique.
They returned to Idaho and joined Stanton Becker Farms with her parents and brothers. This included property and a home in Cavendish (between Kendrick and Orofino), where they settled into farm life. They cheered on the kids in 4-H, music and sports programs at Orofino High School. Ann became active in the local chapter of Idaho Women for Agriculture and the Hill and Valley Garden Club in Kendrick. She was renowned as a talented florist, competing in regional fairs and events for many decades.
Ann and Jon remained world travelers and were among the first tourists to be admitted into China. They enjoyed a number of trips focused on farming tours, especially one that featured a million acre farm in Brazil. In her later years, Ann’s physical challenges didn’t slow her down, and they made a trip to Australia and Alaska despite the extra effort.
Ann is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jon; her children Caroline (David Troy), Kirk (Sue), Jon (Alisa); grandchildren Marie (Tom Linehan), Mollie (Ross Freeden) and Jacquline; and great-grandchildren McKenzie and Jack. She was preceded in death by her parents Stanton and Leona Becker and brothers Donald and Dale Becker.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Normal Hill Cemetery in Lewiston, followed by a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Lewis Clark Hotel at 111 Main Street and is open to all. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a scholarship of your choice or a local 4-H club, or plant a flower or a tree that will bring you joy.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Tuesday, May 7, 1:00 PM
- Location
-
Normal Hill Cemetery
1122-7th Street
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
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Condolences
Kim(Miles) and Tyler Anderson
Jon and family, praying for you all during this difficult time. I have many fond memories of time spent with Ann. She always had a smile on her face and was full of joy and laughter. It brought me joy to visit her when I was a child. She touched so many with her engaging personality. Much love, Kim
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 8:47 AM
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