Rebecca Williams

When reflecting on the life of Becky Williams, words such as easy going, down to earth, and kind-hearted come to mind, however, perhaps the word that paints the most vivid picture of her is selfless. Nothing brought her greater joy than time with her family. Sadly, Becky was taken too soon. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed by her special friends and loved ones.

It seems only fitting that Becky’s story began during a time that was as colorful as she was. It was the 1960’s when many Americans believed they were standing at the dawn of a golden age. By 1967, there was a continued presence of American troops serving in Vietnam and peace rallies were multiplying in towns across the nation. Highlights of the time were the famous Detroit riots, the release of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album, and The Monkees on television. During a promising decade in our nation’s history, Becky arrived on August 31st in Lawton, Michigan. Born the second child of four, her birth brought much joy and happiness to the family home.

Becky spent a large majority of her growing years with her grandparents after she lost her mother at the tender age of three years old. She had many fond memories of their years together. Becky was always in a good mood and had a sweet smile. She enjoyed crawling onto her grandfather’s lap and singing songs. Never one to like physical labor, she could come up with any excuse to get out of her chores. Throughout their childhood, Becky enjoyed picking on her sister and was always one to stir up trouble. When she was seventeen they visited Disney. Her dad told her sister Joanie to push the button on the Dumbo ride but she did just to be funny. Shortly after high school, Becky met John at Honee Bear Canning in Lawton. He was drawn to her sweet spirit and kind heart. He moved to Texas and Becky called him regularly. Eventually, he made his way back to Michigan and by 1990 they welcomed home their newborn son, John. Their daughter Jessica came in 1991, and Jennifer followed in 1993. Together they enjoyed raising their children although they later separated.

Becky lived her life to the fullest and was never afraid to be independent. She was working at the local store, Pathmark in New Jersey in 2006 when she met Keith. They moved back to Michigan and welcomed home their daughter Kristina in 2007. As a mother, Becky was fun-loving as well as supportive. Her children knew they could lean on her in hard times and she would be there for advice. She enjoyed a memorable trip with her daughter Jennifer to Mackinac Island when she was in school. They worked together to raise the money for the trip and made many lasting memories. Every weekend in the summer months they grew accustomed to her garage sale obsession. She could never pass up a good bargain and looked forward to finding treasures over the years. At Christmas, Becky loved to spoil her family. She always made sure that everyone was made to feel special even if it meant that she went without. Her generosity towards others was her greatest gift. Although she loved the Christmas season, she never liked the snow. She was more of a beach person and savored Memorial weekend and July 4th because the celebrations were always held outside. She also loved to go rock hunting, swimming, and fishing. Becky was always content whenever she was outdoors.

Becky held a wide variety of special pastimes. She was drawn to music at a young age and spent much of her days singing her favorite song, Come Together by the Beatles. Her daughter Kristina remembers her love of music especially Garth Brooks. For many years, Becky enjoyed karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. She also loved to play games with her family including, Pie-face, Name that Tune, and Monopoly. Anytime they were hanging out together, she was happy. She even enjoyed snuggling with her kids well into their adulthood! Becky loved all types of food, but especially steak, tamales, pasta, and Keith's fried spaghetti. When it came to eating out, she enjoyed her favorite spots; Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Red Robin. She and Kristina enjoyed making taco salad together and Becky always loved Jessica’s meals. She would often ask her to make something to eat, especially her homemade banana bread! An animal lover, Becky loved her dogs GG and Mojo. Even when they were naughty and Mojo ate Keith’s pork chop right off his plate, she could only laugh and love them all the more!

As much as she relished in her role as a mother, Becky was absolutely thrilled to be a grandmother. She enjoyed playing and laughing with Lennyx and Lilah. She went on an Easter egg hunt with Lennyx that she still remembers and hung all of the pictures she drew for her around the house. Becky had a heart of gold. She wanted nothing more than to help everyone in need. It was hard for her to accept the help of others near the end. She was grateful for the love given to her by so many especially her husband, kids, and grandkids. Never one to hold a grudge, she lived her life with compassion. Described as loving and generous, there is no doubt that she will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for the rich collection of wonderful memories she leaves behind.

Rebecca Williams,age 53, of Paw Paw died at home on Friday, January 22, 2021 .Rebecca was born August 31, 1967, in Kalamazoo the daughter of Martin and Grace (Key) Bowditch. Becky was preceded in death by her father Martin and her mother Grace. Surviving are her husband, Keith; children: John, Jessica, Jennifer, Kristina; grandchildren: Lennyx and Lilah, step-mother Retta Bowditch, her siblings: Ken (Michelle) Bowditch, Wayne Bowditch and Joan O’Donnell and many nieces and nephews.

Burial will take place at Oak Grove in Lawton. Visit with family and friends from 5-8PM on Thursday, January 28 at Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, 60900 Michigan 40 Paw Paw MI, 269-657-3870 Services will be held privately.