Following a beautiful sunrise on the morning of February 27th, 2016, Ilka Becker passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena MT. Surrounded by her family and caring staff, she finally escaped the agony of cancer. Ilka was 47 years old.
Ilka Becker was born in the town of Mettmann, Germany on November 28th, 1968. She was the first child of Fritz and Roselies Becker. Her brother Tim Becker arrived in 1974, and the family spent the next fifteen years as international travelers; moving between Germany and Houston TX, then Germany and Atlanta GA. Ilka spent her high school years in Atlanta causing trouble with her life-long friend Melanie Bennet Jeffs. Extremely intelligent, her fluency in both German and English was so adept, she sounded native in whatever language she chose.
After starting her undergraduate work at The University of Georgia and Georgia State University, Ilka and good friend Deborah Bacek Mcelgin decided to take a road trip out west in the summer of 1991. Their final destination was Lake Tahoe, but — as Montana has a way of doing— they got to Missoula where Melanie was living and never left. Calls were made, boxes were shipped, and the girls attended The University of Montana in fall. Ilka completed her BA in Political Science, and then went to work on her Master’s Degree in German Literature. In the spring of 96, she started dating Paul Martin who would become Ilka’s companion for life.
They made a home at 318 E Central. While Paul worked construction and remodeled the house, Ilka enrolled at UM Law School…and they were happy. After receiving her JD in the spring of 1999, she accepted a clerkship with Justice Leaphart on The Montana Supreme Court and Ilka & Paul became citizens of Helena. The town suited them; after clerking, Ilka became an Assistant Attorney General, Paul with Labor and Industry, and in December 2001, Philip Becker Martin was born, followed two years later by Hannah Becker Martin. After several advanced degrees Ilka had found her true calling — motherhood. She relished it, excelled at it, and those close to her knew she was never more content.
Volunteering at Jefferson Elementary, driving laps around town with a car full of kids, preparing birthdays, she was in her groove raising children and did it natural as sunshine. Already an avid hiker, now she could introduce children to the outdoor experience…and she was happy.
As the wheels turned and the kids grew, Ilka became a Human Rights Investigator with Labor and Industry and found the occupation she was looking for: great co-workers, an honorable mission, the ability to do right and correct wrongs. She was happy.
Breast cancer entered the room in the fall of 2011. Ilka acknowledged it the only way she could — by researching everything known to humankind on the subject and fighting like hell. To get an idea of this woman’s resolute toughness, Ilka gave birth to two children with no meds whatsoever, because she thought it would be better for the children. She was a tough mother…
During her fight, Ilka tried an array of alternative treatments. This was not so much out of a distrust towards modern medicine, but more a pragmatic look at its track record with cancer. On top of energy work, Ilka embraced movement of all sorts: dance, Qui Gong, and many others…until it hurt too much, and her energy wained. The beautiful people Ilka met along the way enriched not just her life, but the entire family — and those bonds will continue.
If you’re coming to the service, please don’t feel the need to be formal. Ilka loved color so come as you are.
Ilka Becker is survived by: her husband Paul Martin, children Philip Becker Martin and Hannah Becker Martin, parents Fritz and Roselies Becker, brother Tim Becker.
In lieu of flowers, those who would like to donate may contribute to a trust established for the education of Ilka and Paul’s beloved children, Philip and Hannah Martin. Please make checks payable to: Philip & Hannah Education Trust, Care of: Helena Community Credit Union, PO box 159, Helena MT 59601.
A Celebration of Ilka’s Life is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2016 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena. A reception will follow the service at the Montana Club starting at 6:00 p.m.
A special thank you to the incredible Dr. Justin Thomas and staff at the Cancer Treatment Center, as well as the staff on 2nd floor who made Ilka’s last days as comfortable as possible, and made all the difference in the world to her family who witnessed it.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Ilka.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday March 4, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Kathryn Kelley says
Ilka is one of the brightest lights I have ever had the privilege of knowing. She was a true inspiration to so many and we in the Nia community will miss her more than words can say. My heart goes out to her lovely family and all the lives she touched so graciously.
C. Mark Fowler says
I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I worked with Ilka at the Appellate Services Bureau of the Montana Attorney General’s Office. I fondly recall her kind ways and her sense of humor. Remembering her wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain with us. My most sincere condolences.
Kathy Samson says
Paul, I am so sorry and sad. My prayers and thoughts are with you and Phillip and Hannah. Much love to you all.
VONNIE JENKINS says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts & prayers!
Sally Beall says
Ilka is a beautiful woman who taught me so much about life, feeling ,knowing her self and what she needed. She has been a gift to my life and I am so sorry to here of her passing . My thoughts and Prayers are you, Paul, Phillip and Hannah who she LOVED so much.
Blessings to you at this very sad and difficult time.
Sherry says
My blessed Nia sister – I see you dancing with the angels now and we will celebrate all that is you as we continue to dance with you in spirit. We also send universal healing energy to your lovely family now and forever
Robin says
It was always my pleasure to dance with you, Ilka. I enjoyed meeting Paul and Phillip at a Nia Retreat in Boulder Hot Springs. Hannah is a wonderful, confident young lady who charmed everyone at the retreat. It’s my pleasure to know her as well.
There is strength in Team Martin. Lean on each other. Support one another. Love each other. Find strength in Ilka’s example. You have loving memories to last your lifetime. God Bless.
Shannon McGuire says
I met Ilka through Nia. I didn’t get the chance to know her well, but I liked her instantly. She was so smart, friendly and funny. She was a joy to talk to and to dance with. I loved her enthusiasm, she brought such good energy and grace with her. She is very much in my prayers right now, as is her family. I am grateful to have known her in the time that I did.
Debi Hinman says
I am so sorry for your loss. I only met Ilka once when you and the band played in our parking lot. What a trooper she was coming out because at that time she was very ill. She made me smile because she had on a big floppy hat and I could tell that she thoroughly enjoyed the music you guys played. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You know that you have a lot of support from all your friends and co-workers. Do not hesitate to let us know if you need anything at all.
Denise Barber says
Ilka, I will miss you in so many ways. We became moms together, and spent many hours discussing both the joys and challenges of raising the people we love most in the world. I treasured our families’ time together – meals, rafting, hanging out while the kids played, camping, etc. I am grateful that we were able to have the time together that we had.
Thank you for enriching our lives, and though we say good-bye, you will not be far, fo we will always carry you with us in our hearts.
Bobby Lea says
Paul, It makes me sad to know you and your family are going through this. We are thinking of you and wish you and your family comfort and peace. Much love to you my friend.
Dayna says
Paul, Hannah, and Philip. Our family’s thoughts are with you this week. My heart aches, as I imagine Ilka’s must have as well, as I reflect on our shared cancer paths and the impact on our children and husbands. I so enjoyed our “lunch and learns” as we explored the myriad options for healing. I know Anya loves having Hannah as a friend, and I hope she can support her as friends do in the coming weeks, months, and years. With love and empathy.
Ellen Hallberg says
Paul and Family:
So very sorry to hear of your loss. I’m happy for Ilka, though, for she is in the beautiful courts of heaven and watching over you from there.
May the Blessings be.
Sharon Blunn says
Paul and family,
So very so for loss, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Please don’t hesitate to call if you need anything Paul. Though I never met Ilka, she sounds like she was an absolutely amazing person who will greatly be missed.
Paddy Ferriter says
Paul and family,
We are thinking of you and reflect on Ilka with a smile. So sorry for your big loss. The kids are always welcome to come over and play…………..
Paddy, John, Johnny and Bridget Walker
Penny Parker Nordin says
I happened to look for Ilka on Facebook today (5/16/2019) and came across the devastating news of her untimely death. I am so very sorry to hear that she is gone. We worked together at ‘Big Star’ in highschool for a short time & were roommates our Freshman year at UGA. We did not keep in touch but I have such fun, wonderful memories of her. She was so full of life! Prayers for your family.