Rebecca Lucille (Lawson) Wathan

Rebecca Lucille Wathan, 77, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, in the comfort of her home in rural Tipton, IA, surrounded by her children.  Arrangements and care have been provided by Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, IA.  A graveside memorial service for Mrs. Rebecca Wathan will be held at Montrose Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials may be designated in Rebecca’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.  Online condolences, photos and fond memories of Rebecca may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com

Rebecca was born on November 8, 1947, in Kirksville, MO, to Vinol and Carol (Cook) Lawson. Growing up on the family farm, Rebecca and her sisters, Sue and Jane, gained a lot of experience and discipline working with the cattle, chickens, and bailing hay. She was taught in a one-room schoolhouse from elementary school until she reached high school. Rebecca graduated from Memphis High School in 1965 and was always very studious, a trait that started at a young age and continued throughout her life.

Rebecca married Stanley Allen Stockwell on June 15, 1968. The couple had two beloved children, Michelle Stolba and Stan Stockwell. Tragedy struck the young family when Stanley passed away on January 26, 1970, leaving Rebecca to care for young Michelle and baby Stan, who had not yet been born.

After her husband passed, she worked in the lab in Memphis where she got her taste in the medical field and, because of that, Rebecca attended Scott Community College, earning her Laboratory Technician Certification upon graduating in 1974.  Rebecca married Terry Wathan on November 28, 1981, in Downing, Missouri.  Eventually, the entire family permanently took root in Durant, Iowa.

In her field, Rebecca was known as a devoted and highly respected Laboratory Technician for over 35 years, working for Mercy Hospital, which later became Genesis Hospital in Davenport, Iowa. She loved her profession, specializing in Hematology; Rebecca was the kind of employee that doctors sought out for her advice and wisdom.  Rebecca’s first priority was always to her children, and she worked hard to provide for them.

Rebecca’s spare time was spent with friends and family, gardening, making crafts, and going on outings with Stan and Michelle. She cherished going Christmas shopping with them, as Christmas was her favorite holiday. It seems fitting that she was able to enjoy one last Christmas before passing away.

She truly lived a life that brought her fulfillment.  You could always count on her. Time spent with her was always a gift because of her positivity.

Rebecca will be deeply missed by her friends and family.

Rebecca is survived by her husband, Terry Wathan of Durant; daughter, Michelle Stolba (Shannon) of Tipton; son, Stan Stockwell (Nancy) of Stockton; sisters, Sue Jones of Mt. Sterling, Carma Amos (Earl) of Texas, and Cheryl Del'Ve (Robert) of Texas; grandson, Thomas Bartlett (Jackie) of Durant; granddaughter, Larynne Bartlett of Tipton; granddaughter, Kyla Stockwell of South Carolina; two great-grandchildren, Adaline Porter and Forrest Porter; and her dear lifelong friend, Izzy.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her father, Vinol Lawson; mother, Carol Lawson; sister, Jane Perry; and first husband, Stanley Stockwell.