Leita Rae Becker of Hunter, New York, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2026, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 88.

A longtime resident of the Catskill Mountains, she carried the quiet strength and warmth of the mountain life she loved so deeply.

Born on May 19, 1938, Leita was the daughter of Renwick Schoonmaker and Mildred Benjamin.

She graduated from Hunter-Tannersville Central School in 1956 and later married Carl “Ronnie” Becker. They shared 49 devoted years together until his passing in 2009. Leita often said of Ronnie that “he was the best,” and their marriage was marked by a deep and steady love. Together they traveled across the country to visit family and friends, building a lifetime of cherished memories.

Leita’s life was filled with the simple joys she shared with those around her. She loved knitting and crocheting, playing cards, fishing, and cooking. In her later years she became a prolific painter, filling her days with paint-by-numbers and arts and crafts.

Thanksgiving at her home in Hunter was a beloved family tradition; she prepared dinners that family members still speak of with fondness years later. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who took genuine delight in gathering her family.

In her community, Leita gave generously of her time and heart. She served as an elder of the Kaaterskill United Methodist Church and, for several years, ran the food bank in Tannersville. She was one of the original members and later president of the Village of Hunter Women’s Club, which played a key role in establishing the Village Park next to the elementary school. When her boys were young, she also served as a den mother for the Cub Scouts. She was known for her good heart, her quiet strength, and a keen sense of humor that brought light to those around her. She was loved by many.

Leita was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ronnie, and twelve of her siblings. She is survived by her sister, Rosalia Touart; her sons William Becker (Laurel), Carl Becker, Keith Becker, and Craig Becker (Robin); her daughters of the heart, Julia France and Maryann Miller, along with their children and grandchildren; her grandchildren William Becker, Jr. (Amber), Sean Becker (Kaitlyn), Lynne Thorne (Chris), and Violet Becker; and her greatgrandchildren Emma, Eric, and Rain.

She is now reunited with the love of her life, Ronnie, along with her mother, father, siblings, and the many friends who went before her. Her kindness, her laughter, and the way she cared for her family and community will be remembered with love and gratitude.