Funkhouser, Rebecca "Becky" Ann
Rebecca "Becky" Ann Funkhouser, age 76, passed away peacefully Friday, September 8, 2017 at home with George by her side. She was born in Pulaski, VA on March 19, 1941, to Roy and Helen (Farmer) Buckner. As a young girl growing up in Pulaski, Becky became very involved with the Church of the Brethren. God and family were the most important things to the Buckner family.
After High School, Becky attended Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, VA. In 1960 while obtaining her Degree in Music, she met George and in 1963 they were married. They moved to Woodbridge, VA and taught school from 1963 to 1965. Shortly after, the couple relocated to Tucson, AZ. In September of 1968 George and Becky made their way to Socorro, NM where they built their life for 49 years as business owners of Allen’s Department Store and as real estate owners. In 1975 the Socorro Pilot Club International (a woman’s professional service club) selected Becky as Socorro Co. Handicap Woman of the Year and eventually she was runner up nationally for the Handicap Professional Woman of the Year. Becky was invited to the White House by President Gerald R. Ford to participate on the National Committee on the Hiring of the Handicapped. She was a courageous woman. Although she faced many physical obstacles, she handled them with honor and grace. Through the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis and several other autoimmune diseases, Becky still always made herself available 24/7 to talk with and mentor countless numbers of people on living their life to the fullest through support groups and initiatives on behalf of the handicapped at the Socorro General Hospital. She was instrumental in designing many types of aids for the handicap. She had a generous and loving heart for her family and the Socorro community. She enjoyed playing a game of poker and belonged to several bridge clubs in Socorro. Becky loved to dance and enjoyed listening to music. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents. Rebecca "Becky" is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 54 years, George Funkhouser; son, Todd A. Funkhouser and wife Christina (Tina) Alvarez; grandchildren, Jonas A. and Summer R. Funkhouser; sisters, Carolyn Onetta Comer and husband, Jerry and Cindy Lamie and husband, John; Kena Smelser Bendtsen whom George and Becky consider their daughter, and her husband, Harry and her children, Rebecca and Laura Ann Bendtsen; her nieces, Kimberly (Comer) Hise and husband, Dru and Courtney and Kirsten Lamie; nephew, Michael Scott Comer; and grand nephew, Cameron Hise.
A Celebration of Becky’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017, 11:00 am, at First Baptist Church, 203 Spring Street, Socorro, NM. Pastor Phillip Smith will be officiating. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Becky’s care has been
entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral
Services 309 Garfield St Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-1530