Elaine L. (Karst) Becker, 90, of Russell, Kansas, and formerly of Milberger, Kansas, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2018 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Elaine was born January 5, 1928 in Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Hubert and Martha (Nuss) Karst.  She grew up on the family farm near Galatia, Kansas.  She attended a rural  school in the Galatia area and graduated from Great Bend High School in 1944.

Elaine was united in marriage to LaVern H. Becker on September 30, 1945 in Milberger, Kansas.  This union was blessed with two children; Janet and Martin.  They made their home on a farm in the Milberger area.  LaVern preceded her in death on May 19, 1995.

Elaine was a devoted wife and homemaker for her family.  She was known as the “Income Tax Lady” due to the fact that she helped her neighbors and friends do their taxes.  She was a Bookkeeper at the Russell Livestock Commission and also a Receptionist at Stricker Farm – Sewing Industry.  She was an active member of the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church; where she was a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the ALCWomen, and was the Church organist and Choir Director for over 50 years.  She was also very active in her community.  She was a Sunflower 4-H Leader, was on the Russell County Extension Executive  Board, the Russell County Republican Central Committee, the Russell Prairiesta Committee, the Milberger Activity Association, Germans from Russia Association; the Martin Luther Home Board of Directors and the Prairie Mates FCE.  In her spare time she enjoyed cooking for her family and doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles.

Surviving family include her daughter, Janet Funk (Wayne) of Russell, Kansas; son, Martin Becker (Susan) of Russell, Kansas; five grandchildren, Doug Funk (Teema), Warren Funk (Erica), Deric Funk (Mandy), Ryan Becker (Micah) and Megan Becker; seven great grandchildren, Riley Becker, Reagan Becker, Elijah Becker, Silas Becker, Lakin Funk, Camille Funk and Kaitlyn Funk; and three step great grandchildren, Chloe Dohe, Macy Howard and Makayla Howard.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother, Orlen Karst.

Celebration of Elaine’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger.  Burial will follow at the Milberger Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday, April 16, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM, Monday at the Mortuary.  Memorials have been established with the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church or the Prairie Mates FCE.  Contributions and condolence may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.