Donna Becker of Hutchinson died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, at Ecumen Oaks in Hutchinson. She was 81. 
A Celebration of Life will be held from 12-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at the McLeod County Fairgrounds Commercial Building in Hutchinson. Interment was held Saturday, Oct. 12, in the Kimball Cemetery in Kimball.
Donna Jean Ellis was born Nov. 24, 1942, in Kimball to Earnest and Harriet (Lackey) Ellis. Donna was baptized as an infant, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth. She received her education in Kimball, graduating with the Kimball High School Class of 1960. Donna furthered her education at St. Cloud Beauty School.
On Sept. 15, 1961, Donna was united in marriage to James “Jim” Becker at the Kimball Church of Christ in Kimball. This marriage was blessed with one daughter, Barbara. Donna and Jim lived in Kimball until moving to Litchfield. They shared 44 years of marriage before the death of James on Jan. 25, 2006. In 2021, Donna moved to Hutchinson to be closer to her family.
Donna was employed as a hairdresser at Liedman’s Beauty Shop in Kimball. After moving to Litchfield, she worked for the Litchfield School District as a school cook. Donna retired in 2010. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Willmar Eagles Auxiliary, and Litchfield Legion Auxiliary Post 104. After retirement, Donna assisted with the Litchfield Toys for Tots program, served as an Election Official, and assisted with serving meals at St. Philip Catholic Church and the Methodist church, both in Litchfield. She enjoyed playing cards, reading, and putting puzzles together. Donna especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren, and friends.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents Earnest and Evelyn Ellis, father Claude Ellis, husband James Becker, great-granddaughter Kaiyliana Thies, siblings Lota (and John) Wiens, sister-in-law Jeanette (and Harold) Strom, brothers-in-law Roger Rokala and Richard Schultz, niece Lois Bacon, and nephews Keith Wiens and Robert “Bob” Strom.
She is survived by her daughter Barb (and Jim) Thies of Hutchinson; grandchildren Dalton (and Carina) Theis of Hutchinson, and Tyler Thies (and fiancée McKanna Neagbour of Hutchinson; great-grandchildren McKaydence Sabelko, Kaylohr Sabelko, Kahleeyah Thies, Kynlie Thies, Kary Thies, Keplyr Thies, and Beckham Thies; sister-in-law Jean Schultz of Minneapolis; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Arrangements are by the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.