Martha Jean (Tenley) Becker

Martha Jean (Tenley) Becker, 69, of Tipton, passed suddenly, but peacefully on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at her home. In memory of Martha, all services will be on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. Visitation from 10:00am- 11:00am and a Celebration of Life Service from 11:00am - 12:00pm will be held at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton; immediately followed by a Graveside Service at Red Oak Grove Cemetery, Tipton. A memorial fund has been established in Martha’s name. Family asks that all cards and memorials be mailed to 703 Lemon Street Tipton, Iowa 52772. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com
Martha, daughter of Howard and Mildred (Horne) Tenley, was born on Saturday, March 3, 1951 in Stanwood, Iowa. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1969. After meeting at the Highway Gardens, Martha was joined in marriage to Michael Allen Harden on November 21, 1969, at the First United Methodist Church in Tipton, Iowa. Prior to their separation, Mike and Martha had three beautiful children: Kelly Jo, Tony, and Tim. On August 8, 1989, Martha married David Edward Becker in Las Vegas, NV. Prior to David’s untimely death on September 17, 1995, they were blessed with one son, Blake. Martha shared the latter years of her life with her companion, Abe Schlabach. For over 29 years, Martha worked in the warehouse at Rockwell Collins, until her retirement in 2018.  In retirement Martha enjoyed her privacy and the company of her family and grandchildren.  Always keen on being a provider for her children, Martha always brought excess supplies to family gatherings, especially birthday parties and during holiday celebrations.  She relished her nickname “Grandma Market”, which is attributed to her grandchildren. In addition to being a provider, Martha enjoyed dining out at various cafes and restaurants with her companion Abe Schlabach.  She especially enjoyed holiday meals with family at Gwen’s Café in Lisbon, which reminded Martha of meals “on the farm.” 
Martha is survived by her companion, Abe Schlabach of Tipton; lifelong friend & former husband Mike Harden of Tipton; sons, Tony Harden of Tipton, Tim (Jenn) Harden of Solon, Blake (Tomeka) Becker of Tipton; and five grandchildren, Rylee Becker, Layne Harden, Deacon Harden, Aria Becker, and Knox Becker. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Mildred Tenley; brothers Dean, Roger and Steve Tenley; sister Della Tenley; and daughter, Kelly Jo Harden.

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