Rebecca "Becky" Papay

Rebecca Papay, age 71, resident of Shelby, passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2024, peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Rebecca was born August 3, 1953, in Shelby, to the late William and Marjorie (Johnson) Thompson, and had been a lifelong Shelby resident. In her youth, she attended Shelby City Schools and was a 1971 graduate of Shelby High School. Shortly after graduation, Becky would go on to marry her high school sweetheart, Kenneth "Ken" Papay on April 27th, 1973. During Becky's working career, she had been employed with the Shelby Mutual for many years before moving on to work for Pioneer Career & Technology Center as an Executive Secretary. After over 25 years of dedicated service, she retired from Pioneer Career & Technology Center in 2016.
Becky was a devoted follower of Christ that regularly attended church for the majority of her life. In her earlier years, she attended the First Christian Church in Shelby, and later in life she became a member of the First Lutheran Church in Shelby. Becky was also an active member in several social clubs during her life including; the Mothers' Club, the Shelby Senior Center, and the Dominoes Club.
Becky enjoyed taking care of herself and staying in shape. She found a love for yoga through her membership at the senior center and looked forward to her regular yoga workouts with her friends. Family was also very important to Becky, especially her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She adored her husband and loved spending time with him. They spent much of their free time on the water up on Lake Erie out of East Harbor, where they kept their boat and could make a quick getaway for the weekend. She looked forward to her annual vacations with family and friends at Ocean Isles, N.C. and special friends at Palm Coast Florida lasting over 30 years. Many fond memories were made during these trips with her favorite people.
She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Ken Papay; two children, Scott (Malina) Papay, Nicolle Papay both of Bellfontaine; four grandchildren, Brach, Hayden, Miley, Collyns; two brothers John (Tina) Thompson and Andrew (Denise) Thompson all of Shelby; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her nephew Christopher Thompson.
Friends may visit at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory Friday, October 4, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 PM. Reverend Dr. Russel Yoak will officiate with interment held in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shelby Athletic Boosters in care of Cathy Dodge at 145 Mansfield Ave. Apt 7, Shelby, OH 44875; the Shelby Community and Senior Center at 154 N. Gamble St, Shelby, OH 44875 or the Alzheimer's Association at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Rebecca "Becky" Papay, please visit our floral store.