Columbus, OH — Rebecca J. “Becky” (Steinhauser) Ater, 93, of Clarksburg, Ohio, died Oct. 7, 2024, at Berger Hospital, following a brief illness.
She was born Dec. 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 Dec. 23, 2010. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Dan; brothers, Charles “Hi” Steinhauser and Carl Steinhauser Jr.; and a sister, Virginia Steinhauser.
Mrs. Ater is survived by her daughters, Nancy (John) Heck and Ruth Ann (Don) Sowers; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chad) Secrest, Kyle (Sarah), Nick (Stacey), Mackenzie (Hunter) Hubbard, Daniel, Ashley (Stephen) Weber, and Earl Andrew (Lyndsey) Sowers, step-grandchildren, Lauren (Dave) Johnson, Ryan (Melissa) Heck, and Mark (Kristen) Heck; great-grandchildren, Oliver Secrest, Kennedy Weber, Keegan Weber, and Wyatt; step-great-grandchildren, Riley Johnson, Gavin Heck, Gale Heck, Gabe Heck, Natalie Heck, and Brynlee Heck; one great-granddaughter expected any day; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.
She 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 U.S. Olympic Team tryouts for the 1952 Olympics.
While Mrs. Ater 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 11 a.m. Monday (Oct. 14) at Browns Chapel UMC with Pastor David Ynger officiating. Burial will follow in the Ater Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday (Oct. 13) from 4-8 p.m. at the Haller Funeral Home & Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to honor her son Dan’s battle with pancreatic cancer through the James Cancer Hospital by clicking www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/301352.