Janet H. Becker

Janet Horth Dresser Becker

Died peacefully on October 22, 2011, at the age of 86. She was born in Youngstown, Ohio on September 2, 1925. In 1934, her family moved to Indianapolis, where she attended Shortridge High School. At Rockford College, she majored in philosophy and sang in the glee club. In 1948, she married Donald L. Dresser. They lived in Indianapolis and had three children, Rebecca, Alan, and William. Jan lost her husband in 1964 and in 1971, married Edwin L. Becker, who was on the faculty of Christian Theological Seminary. Before her children were born, Jan worked as an elementary school teacher and later as a substitute teacher. She was a long-time member of the League of Women Voters and held various leadership positions there. She also participated in activities at Broadway United Methodist Church, as well as Northwood Christian Church, where she was in the bell choir. She was very interested in politics and current affairs, and enjoyed taking courses and participating in discussion groups on a variety of topics. She had a genuine compassion for others less fortunate than she was. She will be missed by all who knew her and were touched by her kindness. Besides her children and their partners and spouses, Anne Dresser, Shawn Dresser, and Peter Joy, she is survived by her sister Bernice Carlino, brothers Robert and Douglas Horth, grandchildren Christopher, Alison, Lydia, and William Dresser, stepdaughter Karin Becker and her spouse Anders Gronmark, stepson Lew Becker and his spouse Barb, step-grandchildren Adam and Elli Becker, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husbands Donald L. Dresser and Edwin L. Becker, she is predeceased by her brother Donald Horth.

Service: October 27, 2 p.m. at Northwood Christian Church, 4550 Central Avenue, Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, donations to Kaleidoscope Youth Center, 4186 North Broadway Street, Indianapolis IN 46205 are appreciated. Condolences may be shared at http://www.flannerbuchanan.com