Rebecca Beckman Yarbrough

Becca is survived by her children: Margaret Yarbrough and husband Timothy Rooney from Anchorage Alaska, Elizabeth Yarbrough currently of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Ethan Yarbrough and wife Tara from Fayetteville, Arkansas; grandson, Lance Yarbrough of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and adopted grandson, Artsiom Revin and wife Sarah from Cave Springs, Arkansas, and the Revin children (Connor, Chloe, Colson, and Clayton).

Becca was born in Fort Smith on September 18, 1941, the second oldest of eight children - a position that developed her aptitude and passion for helping young kids whenever she could. She graduated Fort Smith High School in 1959 and went on to attend Westark College and the University of Arkansas. The early years of her 43 year-long marriage were spent in Chicago, before returning to Fort Smith in 1968.

A devoted mother, Rebecca was patient, loving, supportive, and always willing to help other people. She was active in multiple charitable organizations, especially those devoted to bettering the lives of children. Her contributions spanned many years with the Fort Smith Public School PTA; SCAN; Interfaith Community Preschool; various levels of leadership within the Girl Scouts; the Salvation Army; the Philanthropic Educational Organization; and the Community Rescue Mission. She was elected to the Fort Smith Public School Board and served from 1987 through 1993, serving as president from 1991-1992.

Becca was a long-time patron of the arts, supporting artists, programs, and organizations including: the Fort Smith Art Center; Center for Arts and Education (now Arts on Main) in Van Buren; Fort Smith Regional Art Museum; and Community School of the Arts.

Most recently she has dedicated her time and effort to the Community Rescue Mission and the Community School of the Arts ensuring the enrichment of generations of children to come.

A service celebrating her life will be held Monday, May 23rd, 2022 at 1:00pm at the First United Methodist Church in the Roebuck Chapel. Services and cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Community Rescue Mission 310 North F Street

Fort Smith, AR 72901 (479) 782-1443 [email protected], or the Community School of the Arts P O Box 11881 Fort Smith, AR 72917 (479) 434-2020 [email protected]