Martha (Steiner-Haueter) Becker, age 97, died in her sleep at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virgina on January 9, 2024 after a short stay.

She is survived by her two children, and grandson, who made up the entirety of her world, Jim (age 78,) also of King George, Marlene (age 74,) of Annapolis, Maryland, and her grandson Blane (age 33,) of Winchester, Virginia.

“Mely,” (as she was fondly known to her friends and family,) was born May 13, 1926 in Bern, Switzerland to Johann Steiner and Marta Steiner-Haueter.

She went on to meet and marry James K. D. Becker, whom she met during WWII when his plane was shot down over enemy-occupied France and he escaped into Switzerland where he was interned for nine months and an incredible romance began.

After receiving her American citizenship, she spent the next 30 years serving her government in a translator capacity.

She was an avid cook, as well as both her parents were, and she enjoyed doing anything outdoors, especially gardening.

Mely never wanted to be the center of attention, so her cremation services will be private for immediate family members only.

As she was a great lover of dogs, friends wishing to honor her are invited to donate, in her name, to the King George Animal Control, 11377 Citizens Way, King George, VA  22485.