Rebecca "Becky" Eileen (Briggs) Page

Rebecca “Becky” Eileen (Briggs) Page, formerly Rebecca Eileen Matheson, passed away at her residence in Springfield on July 17, 2023. Rebecca was born on September 21, 1950, in Lansing, Michigan. She was the third child and only daughter born to Robert Eugene Briggs and Garnett Eileen (Lefler) Briggs. She grew up in Bath, Michigan; Bad Axe, Michigan; Bay City, Michigan; and Belvidere, Illinois. During her high school years she played the flute in the school band and lived through an F4 tornado which hit Belvidere on April 21, 1967. She graduated from Belvidere High School in June of 1968. On August 23, 1969, she married David L. Matheson and later joined him during his Navy service in Gaetta, Italy.

She and David moved back to Springfield, Illinois following his naval service and had two children, Rachel Matheson Ommen and David W. Matheson. She divorced David L. Matheson and later married Kenneth Page. After her divorce from Ken, she kept that last name for the remainder of her life. She completed her bachelor’s degree in education at UIS, served at Central Baptist Church, taught aerobic classes at Elaine Powers and at Springfield Racquet Ball and Fitness Center. She also went on to fill classrooms at District 186. Becky loved to roller skate and to attend music festivals. She enjoyed horses and loved her dogs and her grand-dogs.

She is survived by her brother, Stephen E. Briggs; sister in law, Susan Clause Briggs; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her daughter, Rachel Matheson Ommen, her son in law, Jon Ommen, and their children, Eli, Sophie, Simeon and Ruby. Additionally, she is survived by her son, David W. Matheson and her daughter–in- law, Tara (Tyler) Matheson.

A Memorial service has been planned for Monday, August 7, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home in Springfield, Illinois. A private burial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in Macomb, Illinois the same day. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you donate school supplies. We have partnered with Enos School in Springfield.