Ethel I. "Becki" (Bagent) Becker, age 97, of Newark passed away September 30, 2025. Ethel was born on September 6, 1928, to John and Bertha (Mentzer) Bagent in Newark where she lived throughout her life.

She began volunteer work at Licking Memorial Hospital then was later hired as an aid in March of 1967 and retired in December 1988 after 21 years of service. She continued to volunteer at LMH for many years until her health no longer made that possible.She was a member of the Newark Eagles Auxiliary #387 where she proudly served as president for a time. Meetings and events at the Eagles were important to her and she participated in many fundraising events that benefited the community. Some of her favorites being the Saturday breakfast meals and the Rockathon.She was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Newark for over 40 years. There she hosted bible studies in her home and made many lifelong friends, some who became more like family.Ethel was a very kind and loving person who loved socializing and caring for others. She had a love for baking and was known for her baked goods, especially during holidays. At Christmas time she was especially well known for her homemade Chex Mix which she gave to everyone she met.  One of her favorite pastimes was playing cards with family and friends. She also enjoyed watching Ohio State football cheering on the Buckeyes.

She is survived by her son-in-law Jim Waites of Heath; granddaughter, Denise Daniell Davis (significant other Tim West) of Heath; extended family, Darrell (Melissa) Manifold of Heath, Debbie Manifold of Newark, and Kaitlin (Jason) Hess of Saint Louisville; many nieces, nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph G. Becker of 55 years, brother Joseph E. Bagent, daughter Mary Lou Davis.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the hospice care team for their compassion and support during Ethel's final days.

Visitation will be held from 11 am -12 pm Monday, October 6, 2025, with a 12 pm funeral service, at Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N 21st, St. Newark, Ohio 43055. A graveside service at Cedar Hill Cemetery will take place immediately after the funeral service, Pastors Curtis Emerson and Glen Mellott officiating.