Carol J. Becker

Carol J. Becker, 80, of Kearney, died February 26, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society – St. John’s in Kearney. Services will be 10:30 am, March 6, 2025, at First United Methodist in Kearney with burial at Kearney Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 pm, March 5, 2025, at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the S.A.F.E. Center in Kearney. Carol J. Becker, 80, of Kearney, died February 26, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society – St. John’s in Kearney. Services will be 10:30 am, March 6, 2025, at First United Methodist in Kearney with burial at Kearney Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 pm, March 5, 2025, at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the S.A.F.E. Center in Kearney. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of the arrangements. Carol was born July 12, 1944, in Dalton, Nebraska to Trux and Evelyn (Grier) Routh. The family moved to Kearney in 1946, and she graduated from Kearney High school in 1962. Carol attended Nebraska Wesleyan and Kearney State College, where she graduated with a degree in Psychology. Carol married Jerry Becker December 4, 1965, in Kearney. They lived in Kearney and raised three boys serving as their Den Leader in Cub Scouts. During this time Carol made some of the best wedding cakes in Central Nebraska from her home. In 1991, Carol and Jerry became owners of Bill’s Liquor until retiring in 2006. She liked being a “wine guru” helping customers make their selection when shopping for wine. Carol and Jerry helped establish the Kearney Bluejay baseball program. She also enjoyed volunteering at the S.A.F.E. Center in Kearney, Faith United Methodist Church, and First United Methodist Church. She was a member of Eastern Star, Jobs Daughters, and P.E.O. Carol is survived by her sons, John and Dawn Becker, Chuck and Doris Becker, Terry and Erin Becker all of Kearney; grandchildren, Meagan Becker, Jaiden Einspahr and husband Cameron, Zach Warnken, Megan Cowen, David Cowen, Faith Becker, Anthony Becker, Michaela Becker, Isaac Becker, Alexis Becker; great grandchildren, Skylar and Aiden Tompkins; brother, Bob Routh of Lincoln, NE; sister, Patti and Bill Brown of Lincoln, NE; sister in law, Barb and John Rhodes of Utica, NE; and brother in law, Glen and Cindy Becker of Harvard, NE. Carol was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Becker, brothers, Jack, Don, and Rich Routh, sisters in law, Beverly Routh, Wallis Routh, brother in law, Don and wife Judy Becker, and niece Rebecca Herink.

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Carol J. Becker

July 12, 1944 - February 26, 2025