She was born August 24, 1944, in Carroll, Iowa, to the late Russell Beals and wife, Lois Eason Beals. (Her father died in an automobile accident shortly before her birth.) She grew up in Jefferson, Iowa, where she was very energetically involved in many school activities, including four years as a varsity cheerleader. She also competed each year as an All-State soloist.
She first attended Iowa State University and later graduated from the University of Iowa with a double major in elementary and special education. She taught in schools in Iowa and Texas, and was always a fierce advocate for all of her special education students, who loved her dearly.
She married J. Michael O’Donnell on December 29, 1969 in Galena, Illinois. They lived in Iowa and later came to Texas, moving to The Woodlands, Texas, in 1980. Together they raised three wonderful children – sons Kelly and Corey, and a daughter, Kathleen (“Katie”) – all of whom survive her, together with her husband, Kelly’s wife, Leslie, their son, Rory, and Corey’s wife, Elsa. Becky is also survived by her only remaining, and much beloved aunt, JoAnn Dittert of Jefferson, Iowa.
Becky was involved in many local organizations in The Woodlands in her early years of residency, including newcomers and gardening groups, one of which she helped to found, but her first priority in life was always her family. She made each house they lived in the happiest of homes, complete with blossoming flowers, yapping dogs, appetizing kitchen aromas, her radiant smiles and her beautiful voice. Her husband and children were blessed to always find her at home waiting for them each day with a loving smile, a big hug, and a miraculous way of washing away the cares of the day. Her loss is immense and beyond measure.
A Catholic Mass in celebration of her life will be said in her home parish of Sts. Simon and Jude, 26777 Glen Loch Drive, The Woodlands, Texas, 77381, at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 15, 2011, with Msgr. Charles Domec officiating. Committal will follow in Forest Park Cemetery in The Woodlands, Texas. At Becky’s request, there will be no visitation. Friends are invited to attend the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to any charity of the donor’s choice.
