Noreen Carol (Smith-Weatherford) Becker

Noreen Carol (Smith-Weatherford) Becker of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Ava's Hospice House. Noreen was 80 years old.

Noreen Carol (Smith-Weatherford) Becker, age 80, was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Cecelia Ordella “Dell” (Nesheim-Gould) Smith and Orlin Kenneth Smith, and was raised by her mother and Orlin. She passed away peacefully on October 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Noreen’s greatest joy was her family. Her life was defined by her devotion to those she loved and the lasting bonds she nurtured.

On December 28, 1965, Noreen married Henry Freeman, the love of her life and father of their three children. Although their marriage did not last, she carried her love for Henry in her heart until her final breath.

Noreen later married Dennis Becker on June 26, 1987. Together, they made their home in the South Padre Island, Texas, area for many years until Dennis’s passing in 2013.

Later in life, Noreen was able to locate and reunite with her biological father, Calvin Weatherford. Their reunion brought treasured memories, including a particularly special Christmas. Through this discovery, she also came to know her half-siblings, Laura, Ruth, Judy, Marjorie, CJ, and Kyle.

Noreen is survived by her children: Tammy Kwikkel (Rodney Phegley) of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Tracie Freeman of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Jay (Robin) Freeman of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Her grandchildren include Joshua (Tiffany) Radke, Austin (Katie) Kwikkel, Brooke (Jonathan) Howard, Colton Bucher (Reese Colyer), Camden Bucher, Kensington Bucher, Joe (Julie) Freeman, Ben Freeman (Mary Osbourn), Madilyn (Ian) McDonald, and Katelyn Freeman (Connor Matlock).

Her great-grandchildren include Ayden, Keagan, and Eviana Radke; Scarlett Kwikkel; Hazel and Josephine Howard; Connor and Trenton Freeman; Hayden, Grayson, Keegan, Sydney, and Mason Freeman. The family also anticipates the arrival of great-grandson Hunter Bucher in February 2027.

She is also survived by her sisters, Linda Lassa of Mesa, Arizona, and Roseanna Hockett of Pearland, Texas, and her half-siblings Laura, Ruth, Judy, Marjorie, and Kyle.

Noreen was preceded in death by her mother, Cecelia Ordella; father, Orlin; biological father, Calvin Weatherford; husband, Dennis Becker; half-sibling, CJ Weatherford (who passed away in May 2026); sister, Mona K. Nelson; grandson, Jordan Alexander Carr Bucher; and great-grandson, Everett Joshua Radke.

During Noreen’s final days at Ava’s House, her family shared precious moments of laughter, tears, and cherished stories. Special thanks go to Mark Kwikkel, whose humor brought lightness, and Amy (Dan) Huwe, whose visit created a memorable evening during one of Noreen’s most alert moments.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls for their exceptional compassion, dignity, and care.

Her love lives on in the memories and generations of family she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations to Ava's House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in loving memory of Noreen.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon reception, on Friday, November 13, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, 327 S. Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations to Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD, in loving memory of Noreen.