REBECCA BETH CALDWELL
Rebecca “Becky” Beth Montgomery was born August 16, 1930 in Huntsville, Arkansas to Fred Montgomery and Flora (Faubion) Montgomery. Becky was educated in Alabam, Arkansas.
Becky met the love of her life Jack Keith Caldwell, in California during WWII. Becky and Jack were united in marriage on August 25, 1946 in San Francisco. To this union four children were born, Geraldine, Steve, Mary and Karen. Throughout their early years, Becky and Jack lived in Arkansas, Kansas City, Houston, TX and eventually ended up on a farm north of Redding, IA.
Becky worked various jobs throughout the years. A special joy in her life was raising her special needs daughter, Mary. Working with Velda Routh, they organized and taught Mary and other special needs children in the community as there was no schooling available at that time.
In 1976 Becky and Jack opened Caldwell’s Restaurant and Lounge which they operated for seven years before retiring. Becky was a people person always with a smile on her face. During that time she enjoyed serving the public and cherished the lifelong friendships she made.
One of the biggest highlights in Becky’s life was her involvement in the organization of Ringgold County Supportive Services. She served on the Board for fifteen years.
Becky fulfilled her political aspirations by serving two terms as the first female mayor of Delphos.
Becky always had a strong faith and was an active member of the Hickory Grove Advent Church.
Left to cherish her memory are three children, Geraldine Uresk, Steve (Janice) Caldwell and Karen (Randy) Taylor; twelve grandchildren, Jennifer Baker, Jason Uresk, Dia Uresk, Kenny (Chrissy) Caldwell, Barrett (Jamie) Thompson, Cassandra Thiele, Lynne (Bobby) Gourley, Jacob (Rose) Caldwell, Stasia (Nathan) Nickle, Andrea (Rusty) Schuitema and Nick Taylor; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and nine great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jack; daughter Mary; three sisters Carol Baker, Bonnie Ahern and Louise Buscaglia; grandson Robert Taylor.
Her services were Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 3:00 p. at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Officiating was Pastor Ed Shields.
Songs were “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross.
Musicians were First Things First.
Pallbearers were Barrett Thompson, Anthony Kinsey, Kenny Caldwell, Jacob Caldwell, Nick Taylor, Brett Taylor, Nathan Head and David Head.
She was laid to rest at the Redding Cemetery in Redding, Iowa.
Memorials are to Ringgold County Supportive Services and HCI Hospice of Mount Ayr.
