Selma M. Backer, 86, of St. Meinrad, passed away on Sunday, January 31st at Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Center in Jasper.

Selma was born March 11, 1934 in St. Meinrad to Alois and Theresa (Mayer) Sitzman. She married John M. Backer on May 17, 1955 in St. Meinrad Archabbey Church. He preceded her in death on September 4, 2011.

Selma was a member of St. Isidore Parish in Bristow. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, raising pet chickens and reading.

Selma is survived by two sons, Donald (Suzette) Backer of Patoka and Jim (LeeAnn) Backer of St. Meinrad; four daughters, Kathy (Rick) Riedford of Evansville, Debbie (Ronnie) Voges of Tell City, Jennifer (Lawrence) Glaser of Louisville and Nancy (Maurice) Poehlein of Tobinsport; 22 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Selma was preceded in death by her husband, John and four brothers, Harold, Robert, Edmond and Claude Sitzman.

Funeral services will be Friday at 10:00 AM CT in St. Isidore Church, Bristow. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand from 4-7:00 PM CT and also Friday from 8-9:30 AM CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Isidore Parish. Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuneralhome.com.