Knan Lee Becker, a horsewoman, school teacher, yoga instructor, and longtime resident of Ocala, Fla passed peacefully in her home on March 13, 2024 at the age 76 after an 18 month battle with cancer. She was born in Santa Rosa, Calif. on August 12, 1947. She came to Florida in 1977 when she discovered that people were paid to ride Thoroughbreds.  She found work as an exercise rider at local horse farms.

Knan then enrolled as a student at the University of Florida where she eventually earned a master’s degree in English, education, and special education.  She purchased property in Ocala and lived in a small trailer for seven years until she could save the money to build her dream log home.

In 1984 she ordered a log home kit and over the next year, built the home she lived in until the day she died.   She loved horses and always owned at least one horse.  She loved all animals. She met her husband, Ernest Becker at a business meeting near Orlando and they were married in Asheville, NC in July of 2011.

Knan and her husband spent six years traveling the country in their fifth wheel RV, camping in all 48 states and four of the Canadian Provinces with their three dogs and cat. Knan had a soft spot for her furry friends, treating each and every one like the valuable family member they were.

She had one Thoroughbred who lived to the age of 34 who she cared for like her own child. She loved Jack Russel Terriers and German Shorthair Pointers and took great pride in fostering German Shorthair Pointers for the Southeastern German Shorthair Pointer Rescue organization.

Knan lived a full life. She was passionate about her yoga practice and welcomed many friends to her yoga studio and yoga sessions. She was well respected as a friend and mentor.  Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.  She is preceded in death by her Mother, Father, and Sister and survived by her loving husband, Ernest Becker of Ocala, Fla, her brothers Timothy Lee and Peter Lee of California and her stepchildren Jorell Laube and Jenna Laube.

A visitation and viewing will be held at Heirs Baxley Funeral home from 5:00 PM to 8:00 p.m. on March 21, 2024 located at 9695 SW 110th St. Ocala, FL.  34481

A memorial ceremony and service will be held at Heirs Baxley Funeral home at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024 located at 9695 SW 110th St. Ocala, FL. 34481

While flowers are appreciated, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Knan’s favorite charity, the Southeastern German Shorthair Pointer Rescue, SEGSPRESCUE.ORG, a worthy organization saving the lives of these precious dogs.

Return to the March 16 issue of Wire to Wire