Obituary for Rebecca "Becky" Iremonger
Rebecca (Becky) Mae Iremonger (Smith) passed away at The Dalles Hospital Wednesday, December 18, 2019.
Becky was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon on May 3rd, 1958. Becky was the youngest of five children born to Walter and Dorothy Smith. She grew up on the family ranch in Langell Valley, Oregon, which fostered her life-long love for animals. From a young age, she nursed animals back to health where others would have given up. She rode horses and did 4-H, two pastimes which she would later enjoy with her beloved children and grandchildren.
At Bonanza High School, Becky participated in speech club and dance team. She was a cheerleader, basketball player, and cross country and track athlete. At Oregon State University, she met her future husband, John Iremonger, of Lakeview, Oregon. They lived in Corvallis before moving to Hood River, where John accepted a teaching position and Becky worked as a school secretary at Hood River Valley High School. When their daughter, Ami, was born, Becky decided to be a stay-at-home mother. Not long after the birth of son Thad, Becky felt the need to put down country roots and raise more animals than the dog, cats, and rabbits already residing in the backyard of their city home. The family moved to Mosier, Oregon where they had Ben, and where Becky managed the family and farm while homeschooling the children. Becky lived in Mosier until her passing.
Though her life was cut short by cancer, her legacy is long. Becky impacted lives through her involvement and volunteerism in church, after-school release time, Awana, and VBS. She was remarkably hospitable, opening her home and heart to many, many people over the years. She believed in ministering to the sick and elderly, offering encouragement and, often, a home-cooked meal. Becky was always very open and honest about her faith. She could befriend a stranger and know their life story in a short time.
Becky is survived by her faithful companion, John, and their children and grandchildren: Ami (Bryan) Nordquist (Justus, Luci, Treyton, and Elle), Thad (Raquel) Iremonger (Brayden and Mariah); and son Ben Iremonger (with longtime girlfriend, Brittany). Becky’s older siblings, Cheri, Craig, and Lyle, all reside with their families in Klamath County. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Dorothy Smith and brother, Brett.
Becky will be laid to rest with a family graveside at the Langell Family Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Becky was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon on May 3rd, 1958. Becky was the youngest of five children born to Walter and Dorothy Smith. She grew up on the family ranch in Langell Valley, Oregon, which fostered her life-long love for animals. From a young age, she nursed animals back to health where others would have given up. She rode horses and did 4-H, two pastimes which she would later enjoy with her beloved children and grandchildren.
At Bonanza High School, Becky participated in speech club and dance team. She was a cheerleader, basketball player, and cross country and track athlete. At Oregon State University, she met her future husband, John Iremonger, of Lakeview, Oregon. They lived in Corvallis before moving to Hood River, where John accepted a teaching position and Becky worked as a school secretary at Hood River Valley High School. When their daughter, Ami, was born, Becky decided to be a stay-at-home mother. Not long after the birth of son Thad, Becky felt the need to put down country roots and raise more animals than the dog, cats, and rabbits already residing in the backyard of their city home. The family moved to Mosier, Oregon where they had Ben, and where Becky managed the family and farm while homeschooling the children. Becky lived in Mosier until her passing.
Though her life was cut short by cancer, her legacy is long. Becky impacted lives through her involvement and volunteerism in church, after-school release time, Awana, and VBS. She was remarkably hospitable, opening her home and heart to many, many people over the years. She believed in ministering to the sick and elderly, offering encouragement and, often, a home-cooked meal. Becky was always very open and honest about her faith. She could befriend a stranger and know their life story in a short time.
Becky is survived by her faithful companion, John, and their children and grandchildren: Ami (Bryan) Nordquist (Justus, Luci, Treyton, and Elle), Thad (Raquel) Iremonger (Brayden and Mariah); and son Ben Iremonger (with longtime girlfriend, Brittany). Becky’s older siblings, Cheri, Craig, and Lyle, all reside with their families in Klamath County. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Dorothy Smith and brother, Brett.
Becky will be laid to rest with a family graveside at the Langell Family Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.