Rebecca Sue Colby

Rebecca Sue Colby, 67, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2020, at 11:52pm, after an 8-year battle with Alzheimer’s.  She was born on December 27, 1952 in Dayton, OH, to Donald and Margueritte Colby.

She graduated from Westview High School in 1971 and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education from Manchester College. She received her master’s degree from Western Michigan University in Early Childhood Education.

Ms. Colby spent her career at Topeka Elementary, where she touched the lives of many children and adults. As a teacher, she shared her passion for reading with her students as well as her family. She was a member of Eighth Street Mennonite Church where she was involved in the children’s ministry and had been an active member of the church choir for many years. There was always a song in her heart. Becca, as she was known by her friends, enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and caring for her beloved pets. She also loved weaving, gardening, photography, poetry, and correcting anyone’s grammar.

Her family will remember and cherish the many photos she took of them, and how her amazing sticky pecan rolls brought them together on Christmas morning.

Becky will be greatly missed by her brother, Don Colby, brother-in law, Jerry Woodworth, nephew, Tony (Eva) Woodworth, two nieces, Julia Woodworth and Carla (Pascual) Hernandez, great nieces, Kaitlyn and Megan and great nephew, Logan. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Ann Woodworth.

The family would like to thank those who cared for her with such love including the staff at Greencroft, Cottage Garden, and especially her dear friends, Joy Krug, Joy Lambright Leichty, and several other faithful friends. The family would also like to express gratitude to Eighth Street Mennonite Church and Hospice.

A private cremation committal will take place at Legacy Cremation and Remembrance Center. A public memorial service will be held to celebrate Becky’s life when we are once again able to congregate.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Topeka Elementary School Library or Eighth Street Mennonite Church Preschool.