Rebecca Anne (Harden) Heick

Rebecca “Becky” Anne (Harden) Heick

Becky Harden was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids on June 22, 1949—a day made doubly special as it was also her mother Rhoda’s 23rd birthday. She was the second of five children born to Gene and Rhoda (Ocheltree) Harden.

Becky grew up in Tipton and was a member of the Tipton High School Class of 1967. She continued her education at Scott Community College and Kirkwood Community College, where she studied to become a pharmacy medication technician, graduating first in her class. She worked at Reeve Drug and the Remedy Shop in Tipton, the Williamsburg Care Center, and later in home healthcare. Until moving away from Tipton, Becky was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she was baptized and confirmed.

Becky and Bill Heick were married on September 1, 1976, by the Reverend Henry Trevathan at Park United Methodist Church in Hannibal, Missouri. Becky and Bill are the parents of—and she is survived by—James (Alejandra) Goethals of Chandler, AZ, and their children, Alex and Zenah; Colleen Heick-Stanerson of Belle Plaine and her children, Trevor Stanerson, Ciara Stanerson-Edwards, and twin sons, Conner and Brayden Peterson; and Stacey (Nancy Miller) Nelson of Georgetown, TX, and her son, Cole. She is also survived by a great-granddaughter, Ka’Niya Jae Coles, the daughter of Kyleigh Stanerson.

Becky especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren; holidays with her siblings, children, and extended family; playing softball in her younger years; dancing; amateur photography; writing poetry; watching movies; and listening to her favorite music. More than anything, Becky loved road trips she and Bill took to various parts of the southern and western U.S. and Mexico, collecting rocks—each one a memory—that she lovingly insisted Bill haul home. She hoped to see more of the country following Bill’s retirement, but declining health made those journeys impossible. She loved all types of people and enjoyed striking up conversations with those she didn’t know.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; her granddaughter, Kyleigh Stanerson; her brother-in-law, Norman McQuillen; a very special niece, Kelly Jo Harden; and a dear cousin, Kandy Tigerwright; plus numerous aunts and uncles. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 47 years, Bill, of Williamsburg; her children and grandchildren; her siblings, Bruce (Mary Ann) Harden of Spencer; Mike Harden of Tipton; Gloria “Skeeter” McQuillen of Rochester; Susan Harden of West Liberty; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her cherished feline companion, Lola.

Becky chose to be cremated, and while no formal services were held at the time of her passing, a Celebration of Life will now be held to honor her memory. Please join our family on Saturday, October 4, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the home of Henry and Crystal Harden in Rochester (1901 2nd Street, Tipton, IA). We invite you to bring a special memory or story of Becky to share. An evening meal will be served, and you are welcome to bring your favorite beverage.

It is anticipated that joint services will be held upon Bill’s passing, with burial at the Tipton Masonic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, is assisting the family with arrangements.