Louise Irene Becker

     Louise Irene Becker, known as Yah Yah by many, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, at her home. Louise was born on March 29, 1935, on the Kalispel Indian Reservation in Usk, Washington. Louise was delivered at home by her grandmother. Louise shared a special bond with her grandmother, Lucy, who along with her grandfather Baptiste, helped raise her after Louise’s mom passed away. Her grandfather was the last Chief of the Tribe. She was the first member of her Tribe to graduate from both high school and college. Louise was proud of her tribe and loved sharing stories about her culture and growing up on the reservation.

     After graduating from IHM Academy in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Louise began her college career at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She met a nice, Catholic, boy by the name of Phillip M. Becker while attending Gonzaga. They were married and moved to Gooding. One of Louise’s jobs in Gooding was working for the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind. ISDB made a definite impression on Louise and it was because of that she decided to pursue a degree in education. Louise graduated with her Associates Degree from the College of Southern Idaho and then transferred to Idaho State University where she graduated in 1974, the same year her daughter, Debbie, graduated from high school. After graduation, Louise worked as a special education teacher and as a general education teacher, both in the Bliss School District and the Twin Falls School District. In 1976, Louise began pursuing a Master’s Degree at San Francisco State University. It was also in 1976 when she returned to working at ISDB. Louise graduated with her Master's in Education with a specialization in Exceptional Child and Visually Impaired. She was the Media Coordinator for 2 years, a residential teacher for 5 years, and then worked in the regional program for 15 years until she retired in 1998.

     Louise was a recipient of the Lions Club Melvin Jones Award, recognizing her dedication and service to the organization.  She received Magic Valley Bank’s Community Star award. She was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church and PEO.

     Louise is survived by her husband Phil of 70 years, daughter Debbie (Jerry) Flandro of Boise, and daughter Tami (Kenny) Anderson of Wendell, granddaughter Elissa (Andrew) Flandro of San Francisco, grandson Kenny Anderson (Wendell), granddaughter Camas Anderson (Wendell), and her new great-grandson, Jack Bigsmoke Williams (San Francisco).

     Louise had a special way of making everyone feel a part of her family and her community. She had a quick wit and a great sense of humor.  Please have a margarita or a mocha in Louise’s memory. Mom loved every color, but especially red and blue. So please wear your favorite summer outfit for her service.

     Louise is preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, a brother, sisters, some very special cousins, and her step-grandson.

     A Rosary/Vigil Service will be held at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Gooding on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 10:30 am.

     Funeral Mass will follow at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church at 11:00 am with Father Carlos Rosero as officiant.

     The family requests those in attendance to wear something with bright colors to her funeral.

     Local services will conclude at The Church.

     Burial will take place on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Kalispel Tribal Cemetery in Usk, Washington, under the care and direction of the Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport, Washington.

     Local funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service - Gooding Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to

Helping Hearts & Hands (PO Box 201, Gooding, ID 83330).

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