JoAn K. Becker Hughes

JoAn K. Becker Hughes, passed away Saturday night, June 27, 2026, in Traverse City, Michigan, at the age of 83, after spending the days before surrounded by her loved ones. Born on May 9, 1943, in West Branch, MI, JoAn lived her life joyfully devoted to her faith, family, and friends.

If you’ve seen a collection of photos of JoAn, you’ve surely noticed how often she smiled adoringly at the other people in the photo with her, rather than at the camera. This is but a small visual representation of how much she loved her dear family and friends. Her family felt her love, always through prayer, and also through her sharing beautiful photos of places she traveled. Additionally, she crafted beautiful handmade quilts and sewing projects for them, spoiled them with homemade baked goods and candies, or just spent quality time with them. Earlier in life, JoAn’s hobbies included painting, biking and kayaking. Being a cancer survivor, she also believed in the mission of the American Cancer Society and was a volunteer for several years.

Aside from watching the birds and wildlife in her front yard, however, her favorite pastime was simply jumping in the car with a loved one and going for long drives (her favorite to the Mackinaw Bridge). She loved looking at houses, enjoying the scenery, and always taking the long way to her destination of course! Lastly, being a member of the St. Helen Community Baptist Church played an integral part of her life for many years. Whether organizing vacation bible school, performing administrative duties, or just helping out, her love for her church and the people in it was evident in the lifelong friendships she developed.

JoAn’s heart for service and caring nature led her to pursue a fulfilling career working for the Friend of the Court. In her role, she helped ensure children’s best interests were prioritized in family court proceedings, and she helped many families navigate to peaceful solutions.

JoAn loved her family dearly. She felt blessed in her final five years to be married to Corey Hughes who shared her love for God, their respective children, and travel. She is survived by her children: Kevin (Wendy) Pratt, Sonia (Greg) Lake, and grandchildren: David (Melissa) Pratt, Jarrid (Emily) Lake, Collin Lake (fiancée Colleen McKay), Brittney (Ian) Rittof, and Courtney Pratt; her siblings Marie H. Hatfield, Carl R. Becker, and Thomas J. Becker; and many nieces and nephews as well as her many great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by parents Arthur F. Becker and Florence Crist, and brother Douglas Becker Sr.

A funeral service will be held at her beloved St. Helen Community Baptist Church, officiated by Ken Peterson, on July 18th at 11:30am, followed by a luncheon at the church. Burial of ashes will be a private family gathering later that day.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in St. Helen. www.steuernolmclaren.com