Ada Becker

Ada Boaz Becker, 86, formerly of Oconomowoc, WI, and Scottsdale, AZ, and most recently of Howell, MI, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025. Ada was born on May 4, 1938, in Newport, TN, to Henry and Ruby (Royce) Boaz. She grew up in Riverside, IL, and graduated from Riverside Brookfield High School in 1956 before attending Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL.

Ada was married to John L Russell and raised her children in Okemos, MI. She began her career as an Activities Director at Provincial House Nursing Home in East Lansing, MI. Through her dedication and compassion for the elderly, she advanced to Administrator and later became Regional Manager for several nursing homes in Wisconsin with Beverly Enterprises. Toward the end of her career, she returned to the role of Administrator for two homes in the Milwaukee area.

Ada cherished her family life and enjoyed a second marriage to Calvin J. Mara of Wheeling, IL. Together they created a warm and welcoming home in a Victorian-style house built in 1884 on Lac La Belle in Oconomowoc, WI. For over 30 years, they blended their families and hosted countless gatherings with loved ones. Summers were often spent entertaining guests at their cottage, while winters brought adventures exploring the Sonoran Desert from their home in Scottsdale, AZ. Later in life, Ada had a brief marriage to Garr Becker of Laguna Woods, CA.

An only child, Ada was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her three children: Christopher (Heather) Russell, Timothy (Melanie) Russell, and Suzanna (Brett) Snow; as well as her granddaughters Lauren (Russell) Fisher, Colleen (Russell) Fosco, Hannah Gnewuch, and Grace Gnewuch.

In accordance with her wishes, no memorial or funeral services will be held. Donations in Ada's honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.