Becky Jean Stephens

Becky J. Stephens, age 67, passed away in Missouri Valley on March 29, 2024. 

She was born in Omaha on March 7, 1957, to Marion and Betty Hardisty. She was the middle child, with older sisters Kathy and Roxanne, and younger sister Christine and brother Marion Jr. They lived in Manawa before moving to a farmhouse near Missouri Valley.

Her marriage to Ron Obrecht gave her two sons, Mitchell and Martin. She loved them with all her heart, and was proud beyond words. Though that marriage may not have lasted, her in-laws, Don and Peggy Obrecht, refused to let her go. As far as they were concerned, she was their daughter.

Without a lot of money coming in, she created experiences that lasted a lifetime. Going to De Soto Bend was free, so off she’d take the kids on the “Great American Turtle Hunt.” There, she developed a lifelong love of bird-watching. Her favorites were cardinals, and she kept images of cardinals around her at all times.

She’d drag the kids to museums, where they would moan and complain, but secretly loved seeing art and relics from long ago.

Becky loved all animals, especially her grand-puppy Kira, who knew she always had puppy treats in her pocket.

Somewhere along the way, she discovered she had a talent for quilting. Birthdays, weddings, Christmas, she’d be busy sewing up a storm. If she found out that somebody was without family on the holidays, she made darn sure she’d create something for them.

For over 25 years, Becky worked in nursing homes. For her last 17 years, she worked at Bickford Cottage in Omaha. She retired in 2022 and used her time gleefully traveling from one thrift store to another. In 2023, she moved into Culavin Heights, where she instantly bonded with about half of the residents.

She loved fiercely, and saw only the good in people. She believed that everyone should be given a second chance, no family was beyond repair, and there is no such thing as a “bad dog.”

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Thursday, April 04, 2024. 

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Friday, April 5, 2024. 

The family will direct memorials. Per her wishes, she will be cremated and returned to the earth.