Dolores Jane “Dee” Becker Harley died peacefully in her sleep on June 30, 2025, at Arden Courts of Anderson in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was born on May 20, 1940, in Batesville, Indiana to Forrest and Gertrude Becker. Dee was married to Ronald Paul “Ron” Harley at St Mark’s Lutheran Church in Batesville.
Dee spent her childhood growing up in Batesville attending local public schools and graduated from Batesville high school. She had fond memories of her early years and enjoyed Girl Scouts, summer camp, swimming, ice skating and marching band. She fondly recalled visiting elderly neighbors and occasionally running errands for them. She also delivered the “Grit” weekly newspaper in her neighborhood. She attended St. Mark’s Lutheran Church with her family. Dee worked for about one year after graduation at Hillenbrand Industries as a secretary in the graphics department before attending classes at Ball state University
She met Ron Harley on a blind date at a New Year’s Eve dance party. They fell in love and then married in January of 1962. Together they moved to Des Moines, Iowa. Dee became a homemaker and stay at home mom after daughters Lisa and Janet were born.
Dee and Ron eventually moved from Des Moines to Mill Valley, California, St. Louis, Missouri and Steamboat Springs, Colorado before they moved to Cincinnati in 1981. They loved those beautiful places where they had lived but were also happy to be back “home” in the Midwest nearer to family. Dee always had a great love of travel. Even after Ron’s death in 1991 she found travel partner friends and made numerous trips in the U.S. and overseas. Some of the trips were with her kids and grandkids who share fond memories of those summer trips with Grandma Dee. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a joy and delight to her!
Along with travel, Dee loved music, dancing and playing games of all sorts. She also enjoyed drives on back country roads, walking and trail hiking, cooking and gardening. She proudly still mowed her own lawn up until a few years ago at age eighty.
She was actively involved for many years with Anderson Hills church in Cincinnati. She participated in numerous bible studies, small groups and worship as she continued to grow in her own personal faith and walk with God. She volunteered as a Sunday morning greeter. She prepared and served many meals for people in her community including homeless populations. During her driving years she offered rides for those in her community who were unable to transport themselves to church or medical appointments. She also worked for several years in the church office as a secretary and receptionist. She always enjoyed helping people feel welcome at church or in her home.
Several years ago, mom courageously faced the challenging diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. She continued to stay as active as possible and always loved spending time with family and friends. She was still able to enjoy occasional fun trips away with her family in her final years.
Dee is survived by her daughters Lisa (Mark) Pruden and Janet (Randy) Adams of Cincinnati, Ohio. Grandchildren Aaron (Elyse) Adams, Lindsey (Charlie) Brandhorst, Ethan (Abby) Adams, Laurel (Kyle) Krahn and Bryan (Amanda) Pruden. She is also survived by 11 great grandchildren. Brothers Richard (Wilda) Becker and Gary (Michelle) Becker. Sister-in-law Jeannine (Jim) Henneke and brother-in-law Michael Harley. Nieces Beth Ann (Ron) Weigel, Brenda (Doug) Schwering, Lori (Scott) Buchanan, and Quinn LaCasse. Nephews Eric (Amy) Harley, Trevor (Angie) Harley, Jordon Harley, Shane (Suzie) Foley, Chris (Sandi) Harley, and Brad (Carmen) Becker.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ron Harley (December 22, 1991) and parents Forrest (March 9, 1998) and Gertrude (June 22, 1996) Becker. Niece Brooke Harley (January 4, 2021) and nephews Aaron Harley (infant 1970) and Darin Harley (2025).
We are deeply indebted and grateful for all of the Arden Courts of Anderson staff who lovingly cared for mom in her final months and days. Also, our heartfelt thanks to Suncrest Hospice nurses, caregivers and support staff who cared for and supported mom and our family during her final weeks.
In addition, we want to thank Weigel Funeral Home. It is difficult to fully express how grateful we are for Ron Weigel and all of our Batesville family who have surrounded us with love, support and help with final planning. The prayers and support of numerous additional family and friends have meant so very much to us!
A private family service will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Batesville, with a graveside committal service at St. Mark’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Suncrest Hospice, 9050 Centre Pointe Drive, Suite 100, West Chester, Ohio 45069. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.