Becky Ater

Rebecca J. "Becky" (Steinhauser) Ater, 93, of Clarksburg, died peacefully at 11:06pm, October 7, 2024, at Berger Hospital, following a brief illness.

She was born December 29, 1930, in Ross County, to the late Carl, Sr. and Ruth K. (Smith) Steinhauser.  On May 6, 1950, she married Earl E. "Deak" Ater, who preceded her in death December 23, 2010.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son Dan Ater; brothers Charles "Hi" and Carl Steinhauser, Jr.; and a sister Virginia Steinhauser.

Surviving are her daughters and sons-in-law Nancy (John) Heck, of Granville; Ruth Ann (Don) Sowers, Clarksburg; grandchildren: Jennifer (Chad) Secrest, Kyle (Sarah) Ater, Nick (Stacey) Ater, Mackenzie (Hunter) Hubbard, Daniel Ater, Ashley (Stephen) Weber, Earl Andrew (Lyndsey) Sowers, step-grandchildren: Lauren (Dave) Johnson, Ryan (Melissa) Heck, Mark (Kristen) Heck; great-grandchildren: Oliver Secrest, Kennedy Weber, Keegan Weber, Wyatt Ater; step-great-grandchildren: Riley Johnson, Gavin Heck, Gale Heck, Gabe Heck, Natalie Heck, Brynlee Heck; one great-granddaughter expected any day; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.

Becky was a 1949 graduate of Clarksburg High School, where she was quite an athlete.  She held the Ross County long jump record for over 25 years and was invited to US Olympic Team tryouts for the 1952 Olympics.  While Becky had worked as a teacher's aide, her greatest joy was her family.  She adored her children, grand- and great-grandchildren, always making every effort to attend their events.  She loved to watch Dan and Kyle race their horses, loved the Ohio State Buckeyes and their band, and was always up for an adventure.

Her funeral service will be held at 11am Monday, October 14, at Browns Chapel UMC with Pastor David Ynger officiating.  Burial will follow in the Ater Family Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Sunday from 4-8pm at the Haller Funeral Home & Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to honor her son Dan's battle with pancreatic cancer through the James Cancer Hospital by clicking: https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/301352