Rebecca Ruth Stuart

Rebecca Ruth Stuart

August 28, 1943 – August 14, 2025

Rebecca Ruth Stuart, Fine Art Artist (Retired IBM)

Rebecca Ruth Stuart (Becky) passed away in Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida on August 14, 2025, with her husband at her side. Becky suffered from dementia and was cared for by her husband.

Rebecca was born in Orlando, Florida to Major General Charles Rankin Bond, Jr. (Air Force) and Doris Walker Bond on August 28, 1943. Soon afterwards returning to live with grandparents, Mama Ruth Walker, in Dallas, Texas while Charlie was stationed in Russia after WWII as a private pilot to the U.S. Ambassador W. Averell Harriman. Charlie returned from Russia after 18 months, thus beginning the family moving every 1-3 years as Charlie advanced in the Air Force.

While stationed in Newfoundland for 3 years, Becky was introduced to the “famous” Paint by Numbers kits (oils) purchased from the Exchange on the Air Base. She had indeed a very strong interest and desire and joyful feeling about oil painting. However, it would be a while before she understood the joy to actually be a “TALENT”, fortunately both parents recognized it. She loved it and knew something special emotionally/spiritually came over her whenever she drew or painted.

Becky graduated from Baccalaureate Program at Vicenza American High School in Vicenza, Italy on June 11, 1961. She graduated with Certificate of Awards in Italian and French. Becky then entered the Italian University for Foreigners, advancing in Languages of Italian. Becky attended Neuchatel / Suisse advancing in the Language of French. During these years she toured Europe. Becky earned degrees in Computer Science, Masters in Psychology and Masters in Social Work.

It was during 1979 in Pensacola, Florida, that Becky met her husband to be: Don. They were married in 1980. They lived in Austin, Texas while Becky worked for IBM and Don continued as a Process Control contractor. In 1993, an extended contract for Don was with Monsanto and they moved back to Pensacola and built their retirement home on Pensacola Beach.

Becky's interest in painting and drawing began as a child and those early seeds of joy were nurtured in the museums of Europe during her early adult years. Although she pursued an education and career in the computer industry for two decades, she continued her art interests with classes and occasional exhibits. In 1990 she retired from the computer field and devoted herself exclusively to her lifetime's passion for painting and drawing. Floral still life and "floral portraits" have consistently been her primary emotional passion, closely followed by land/sea/cloudscapes and portraits.

In 2001 Becky was commissioned by the Pensacola Junior College Foundation to paint a portrait of Anna Lamar Switzer that hangs in the College's Hall of Honor. She has also taught drawing and painting both privately and in groups at the University of West Florida and Pensacola Junior College (now Pensacola State College). In 2023, Becky was commissioned to paint a large series of paintings representing the Church Liturgical Seasons which currently hang in the Pensacola Beach Church.

Becky was preceded in death by Doris (1986) and Charlie (2009). She is survived by husband, Don; Sisters Cindy (Chuck) and Jeannie; brother Chuck (Patty); nephews Gary and John Paul; nieces Jamie Bond and Julie (Ryan); grandnieces Crew and Beck; and God-Children Bella and Maverick.

We have lost Becky, but we know where she is. ALL IS WELL!

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, attended only by family and several close friends. Interment will be following service. A memorial service and “Celebration of Life” will be held in coming weeks at the Pensacola Beach Community Church for everyone to gather to celebrate Becky’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pensacola Beach Community Church.