Born Rebecca Jane Hieftje in July of 1953, in Grand Rapids, Rebecca Forrest Sweeden passed away in August of 2026, in Dayton. She is survived by her husband, Virgil Sweeden, sister Susan Johnson, and cousin Eileen Gruber. Rebecca was preceded in death by her late husband Steve Forrest DeMartino and her sister, Kathy.
Rebecca graduated Alter class of 1971 and later became a graduate of Wright State University. Her employment included an ice cream shop in Chicago in her youth to a project manager for Woolpert in Dayton. She later joined Virgil’s pet photography business when they married and enjoyed traveling to the dog shows.
Rebecca’s brilliance and wit charmed everyone she met. She was a wonderful storyteller and pursued the arts throughout her life. She was a writer, a watercolor artist, she enjoyed playing piano, and was an avid student of the French language. Her life continues to serve as a bright spot in the hearts of the many that loved Rebecca.
A gathering to celebrate Rebecca will be held at Tobias Funeral Home, Friday, September 18, at 12 PM. Visitation will be held from 11am -12pm, prior to the service Friday. Tobias is located at the corner of Far Hills and Rahn Rd in Dayton , Ohio at 5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429.
