Rebecca (Becky) S. Newkirk, 61, received her crown of victory and went home to be with the Lord on March 1st 2014.
Rebecca Suzanne Sednek was born in Rushville Indiana on July 11, 1952, the daughter of the late William F. Sednek and Kathryn (Sullivan) Sednek. She was raised and educated in Rushville, IN. In 1982, Becky finally gave in to several months of begging, and married the love of her life and her soulmate, Doug Newkirk. Shortly after the wedding, Becky and Doug relocated to Stillwater, OK where Becky took a job as an administrative assistant in the financial aid office at Oklahoma State University. After a few years, Becky transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Dept. office at OSU. She later accepted a position with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education where she worked in the purchasing department, as well as working as a switchboard operator. Becky spent more than 15 yrs with Career Tech before retiring in May of 2013.
Becky was a Spirit filled God fearing woman who was known for the strength of her faith in Jesus Christ. She valued the Church, had a heart for worship, and understood the power in prayer. She will be remembered for her relentless positive and hopeful perspective in life, her generosity and compassion for others, and her beautiful smile. Becky loved her husband Doug passionately, she took great pride in caring for her children and grandchildren, and she cherished and loved all her family unconditionally, those by blood, those by marriage, and those by heart. Becky was exceptional in her love and devotion as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
Becky loved traveling, whether it was a weekend drive or a cross country road trip. She enjoyed camping and boating at the lake with her friends and family. Becky made her home beautiful with her decorating skills and took pleasure in gardening and tending to her flowers and yard. She always dressed fashionably, loved shopping, and had a knack for finding the best deals. Becky was creative and enjoyed sewing and making crafts with her grandchildren. She volunteered her time and talents in making dresses, blankets, and dolls for children in need around the world.
Becky was a blessing to everyone who knew her, she was dearly loved by many, and will be greatly missed by all. But her life, love, and faith will continue to produce much fruit through the seeds she planted in the hearts of so many.
Becky was preceded in death by by father, William Francis Sednek, her brother, Tom Sednek and sisters, Joan McLaughlin and Tina Sednek.
Survived by her husband Doug Newkirk and six children: Jason and Lynda Stromski, Jessica Stromski, Delana Miller, Dusty and Naomi Newkirk, Debby Hendrix, and Kenny and Kim Nolting.
Mother: Kathryn Irene Sednek.
11 Grandchildren: Autumn Focht, Kendall Nolting, Carly Miller, Clinton Miller, Andrew Miller, Brianna Newkirk , Korea Stromski, Zarah Stromski, Eden Rose Stromski, Hayden Stromski, Kayla Bunch
7 Great Grandchildren: Axel Focht, Jainy Daye Focht, Amelia Nolting, Hadley Nolting, Ezra Holland, Paxton Morris, Aaliyah Newkirk
9 sisters and their spouses: Judy and Bob Schmidt, Alice and Bruce Dice, Tracy and Cy Duvall, Nanette and Tom Lee, Anita Jo Sednek Amy and Jeff Ruxer, Marcia Sednek and Guy , Margaret and David Smith , Mary Wilson
3 brothers and their spouses: Mike Sednek and Charlie Sednek, Johan Sednek and Elaine Sednek, Stephen F. Sednek
Special Friends: Sam and Cheryl Burry
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and friends
Funeral services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home and a service celebrating Becky's life will be held at 10:00am on Monday, March 10, 2014 at Mehan Union Church in Stillwater.
A private family burial will take place late that afternoon. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12pm to 6pm on Sunday with the family greeting friends from 4pm to 6pm Sunday evening.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Becky Newkirk Family Education Fund in care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home 5106 N. Washington, Stillwater, OK 74075
Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.pmcfh.com
Rushville Consolidated High School Class of 1970
************************************
March 4, 2014, Stillwater News Press
UPDATE: Stillwater woman lone fatality in 104-vehicle pileup in Denver
By Elizabeth Keys
STILLWATER, Okla. — A 104-vehicle pile-up on a two-mile stretch of Interstate 25 in Denver claimed the life of Stillwater resident Rebecca "Becky" Newkirk, 61, Saturday.
"She was killed instantly," said her sewing friend Karan Brunken who had spoken to family friends. Newkirk's husband, Charles "Doug" Newkirk was driving the vehicle when it was struck from behind.
The Denver Post reported Newkirk's husband was preparing to bring his wife's body home to Stillwater from Denver.
"She was a God-loving woman," her husband told the Post Tuesday. "People will remember how nice she was, and how much she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren."
Denver Police reported more than 30 injuries from the massive pile-up but Becky Newkirk was the lone fatality in the chain of accidents that dominoed when a fast-moving snowstorm hit south Denver Saturday morning.
The Newkirks had traveled to Denver to see her mother, Kathryn Sednek, who lives in a nursing home, Little Sisters of the Poor, Brunken said.
"It's hard to believe she's gone. She was a sweet Christian," Brunken said.
They were going to start walking together when Newkirk got back from Denver. The two became acquainted at Mehan Union Church and when Newkirk bought a new sewing machine, they decided to join sewing groups devoted to supporting missions throughout the world. Although Doug Newkirk still worked for the Oklahoma State University Physical Plant, Becky found she had more time after retiring.
Newkirk was a regular sewing with the Life Church Sew Sisters and Angels of Mercy groups led by Gail Metcalf. The group recently made dresses for the Payne County chapter of Dress a Girl Around the World.
"The Angels of Mercy make no-sew blankets for cancer patients. Becky would also gather with another friend each week to make dolls for Dress a Girl," Metcalf said.
At a meeting to bless the dresses being hand-carried to Haiti in January, Newkirk said the reason she sewed so faithfully was "My heart hurts when I think of the little girls needing clothes and not having any toys — it's a responsibility and something God would want me to do."
She said she felt like it was an easy and inexpensive way to make a difference. Her children will continue making a difference in the community with her son, Jason Stromski, serving with the Stillwater Fire Department since 2002.
Many in the family are still in Colorado with a small service planned Wednesday. They will bring the body home for a funeral service at Mehan Union Church which will be finalized later this week. Palmer Marler Carberry in Stillwater is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Newkirk is survived by five children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
"She left this world not worried about her children because they have Doug," Brunken said. "She had all the faith in Doug."
************************************
The Denver Post
March 4, 2014
Rebecca Newkirk loved to travel with her husband, Charles, especially since she retired at 61 years old last May. She loved Colorado's mountains, and she loved camping near the big lakes in Arkansas, her husband said.
Tuesday afternoon Charles Newkirk was preparing to take his wife's body home to Stillwater, Okla., from Denver for a funeral next Monday.
Rebecca Newkirk was the lone fatality in the 104-car pileup on Interstate 25 in a fast-moving snowstorm that left roads slick and caused brief white-out conditions. .
The couple were in Colorado to visit friends, and Charles Newkirk was at the wheel when their vehicle was hit from behind.
"She was a God-loving woman," her husband said Tuesday afternoon, soon after the Denver Medical Examiner's Office released his wife's name .
She is survived by five children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
"People will remember how nice she was, and how much she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren," Charles Newkirk said.
The Newkirks, originally from Indiana, were married 32 years ago. They both worked at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater for awhile, then his wife moved on to work at a nearby vocational and technical school until she retired, Charles Newkirk said.
Thirty people injured in the pile up Saturday were taken to three local hospitals. Most were released Saturday, hospital representatives said.
Three were admitted in serious condition to Denver Health Medical Center, but their conditions were not immediately available Tuesday afternoon.
Denver police are expected to issue a report on the pileup at] the end of the week or early next week on the investigation into clusters of crashes that occurred over a 1.5-mile stretch of the northbound lanes between Logan Street and University Boulevard. The pileup happened at about 11 a.m. and closed the interstate for five hours.
Joey Buinch: 303-954-1174, [email protected] or twitter.com/Joeybunch
Rebecca Suzanne Sednek was born in Rushville Indiana on July 11, 1952, the daughter of the late William F. Sednek and Kathryn (Sullivan) Sednek. She was raised and educated in Rushville, IN. In 1982, Becky finally gave in to several months of begging, and married the love of her life and her soulmate, Doug Newkirk. Shortly after the wedding, Becky and Doug relocated to Stillwater, OK where Becky took a job as an administrative assistant in the financial aid office at Oklahoma State University. After a few years, Becky transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Dept. office at OSU. She later accepted a position with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education where she worked in the purchasing department, as well as working as a switchboard operator. Becky spent more than 15 yrs with Career Tech before retiring in May of 2013.
Becky was a Spirit filled God fearing woman who was known for the strength of her faith in Jesus Christ. She valued the Church, had a heart for worship, and understood the power in prayer. She will be remembered for her relentless positive and hopeful perspective in life, her generosity and compassion for others, and her beautiful smile. Becky loved her husband Doug passionately, she took great pride in caring for her children and grandchildren, and she cherished and loved all her family unconditionally, those by blood, those by marriage, and those by heart. Becky was exceptional in her love and devotion as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
Becky loved traveling, whether it was a weekend drive or a cross country road trip. She enjoyed camping and boating at the lake with her friends and family. Becky made her home beautiful with her decorating skills and took pleasure in gardening and tending to her flowers and yard. She always dressed fashionably, loved shopping, and had a knack for finding the best deals. Becky was creative and enjoyed sewing and making crafts with her grandchildren. She volunteered her time and talents in making dresses, blankets, and dolls for children in need around the world.
Becky was a blessing to everyone who knew her, she was dearly loved by many, and will be greatly missed by all. But her life, love, and faith will continue to produce much fruit through the seeds she planted in the hearts of so many.
Becky was preceded in death by by father, William Francis Sednek, her brother, Tom Sednek and sisters, Joan McLaughlin and Tina Sednek.
Survived by her husband Doug Newkirk and six children: Jason and Lynda Stromski, Jessica Stromski, Delana Miller, Dusty and Naomi Newkirk, Debby Hendrix, and Kenny and Kim Nolting.
Mother: Kathryn Irene Sednek.
11 Grandchildren: Autumn Focht, Kendall Nolting, Carly Miller, Clinton Miller, Andrew Miller, Brianna Newkirk , Korea Stromski, Zarah Stromski, Eden Rose Stromski, Hayden Stromski, Kayla Bunch
7 Great Grandchildren: Axel Focht, Jainy Daye Focht, Amelia Nolting, Hadley Nolting, Ezra Holland, Paxton Morris, Aaliyah Newkirk
9 sisters and their spouses: Judy and Bob Schmidt, Alice and Bruce Dice, Tracy and Cy Duvall, Nanette and Tom Lee, Anita Jo Sednek Amy and Jeff Ruxer, Marcia Sednek and Guy , Margaret and David Smith , Mary Wilson
3 brothers and their spouses: Mike Sednek and Charlie Sednek, Johan Sednek and Elaine Sednek, Stephen F. Sednek
Special Friends: Sam and Cheryl Burry
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and friends
Funeral services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home and a service celebrating Becky's life will be held at 10:00am on Monday, March 10, 2014 at Mehan Union Church in Stillwater.
A private family burial will take place late that afternoon. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12pm to 6pm on Sunday with the family greeting friends from 4pm to 6pm Sunday evening.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Becky Newkirk Family Education Fund in care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home 5106 N. Washington, Stillwater, OK 74075
Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.pmcfh.com
Rushville Consolidated High School Class of 1970
************************************
March 4, 2014, Stillwater News Press
UPDATE: Stillwater woman lone fatality in 104-vehicle pileup in Denver
By Elizabeth Keys
STILLWATER, Okla. — A 104-vehicle pile-up on a two-mile stretch of Interstate 25 in Denver claimed the life of Stillwater resident Rebecca "Becky" Newkirk, 61, Saturday.
"She was killed instantly," said her sewing friend Karan Brunken who had spoken to family friends. Newkirk's husband, Charles "Doug" Newkirk was driving the vehicle when it was struck from behind.
The Denver Post reported Newkirk's husband was preparing to bring his wife's body home to Stillwater from Denver.
"She was a God-loving woman," her husband told the Post Tuesday. "People will remember how nice she was, and how much she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren."
Denver Police reported more than 30 injuries from the massive pile-up but Becky Newkirk was the lone fatality in the chain of accidents that dominoed when a fast-moving snowstorm hit south Denver Saturday morning.
The Newkirks had traveled to Denver to see her mother, Kathryn Sednek, who lives in a nursing home, Little Sisters of the Poor, Brunken said.
"It's hard to believe she's gone. She was a sweet Christian," Brunken said.
They were going to start walking together when Newkirk got back from Denver. The two became acquainted at Mehan Union Church and when Newkirk bought a new sewing machine, they decided to join sewing groups devoted to supporting missions throughout the world. Although Doug Newkirk still worked for the Oklahoma State University Physical Plant, Becky found she had more time after retiring.
Newkirk was a regular sewing with the Life Church Sew Sisters and Angels of Mercy groups led by Gail Metcalf. The group recently made dresses for the Payne County chapter of Dress a Girl Around the World.
"The Angels of Mercy make no-sew blankets for cancer patients. Becky would also gather with another friend each week to make dolls for Dress a Girl," Metcalf said.
At a meeting to bless the dresses being hand-carried to Haiti in January, Newkirk said the reason she sewed so faithfully was "My heart hurts when I think of the little girls needing clothes and not having any toys — it's a responsibility and something God would want me to do."
She said she felt like it was an easy and inexpensive way to make a difference. Her children will continue making a difference in the community with her son, Jason Stromski, serving with the Stillwater Fire Department since 2002.
Many in the family are still in Colorado with a small service planned Wednesday. They will bring the body home for a funeral service at Mehan Union Church which will be finalized later this week. Palmer Marler Carberry in Stillwater is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Newkirk is survived by five children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
"She left this world not worried about her children because they have Doug," Brunken said. "She had all the faith in Doug."
************************************
The Denver Post
March 4, 2014
Rebecca Newkirk loved to travel with her husband, Charles, especially since she retired at 61 years old last May. She loved Colorado's mountains, and she loved camping near the big lakes in Arkansas, her husband said.
Tuesday afternoon Charles Newkirk was preparing to take his wife's body home to Stillwater, Okla., from Denver for a funeral next Monday.
Rebecca Newkirk was the lone fatality in the 104-car pileup on Interstate 25 in a fast-moving snowstorm that left roads slick and caused brief white-out conditions. .
The couple were in Colorado to visit friends, and Charles Newkirk was at the wheel when their vehicle was hit from behind.
"She was a God-loving woman," her husband said Tuesday afternoon, soon after the Denver Medical Examiner's Office released his wife's name .
She is survived by five children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
"People will remember how nice she was, and how much she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren," Charles Newkirk said.
The Newkirks, originally from Indiana, were married 32 years ago. They both worked at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater for awhile, then his wife moved on to work at a nearby vocational and technical school until she retired, Charles Newkirk said.
Thirty people injured in the pile up Saturday were taken to three local hospitals. Most were released Saturday, hospital representatives said.
Three were admitted in serious condition to Denver Health Medical Center, but their conditions were not immediately available Tuesday afternoon.
Denver police are expected to issue a report on the pileup at] the end of the week or early next week on the investigation into clusters of crashes that occurred over a 1.5-mile stretch of the northbound lanes between Logan Street and University Boulevard. The pileup happened at about 11 a.m. and closed the interstate for five hours.
Joey Buinch: 303-954-1174, [email protected] or twitter.com/Joeybunch
Rebecca (Becky) S. Newkirk, 61, received her crown of victory and went home to be with the Lord on March 1st 2014.
Rebecca Suzanne Sednek was born in Rushville Indiana on July 11, 1952, the daughter of the late William F. Sednek and Kathryn (Sullivan) Sednek. She was raised and educated in Rushville, IN. In 1982, Becky finally gave in to several months of begging, and married the love of her life and her soulmate, Doug Newkirk. Shortly after the wedding, Becky and Doug relocated to Stillwater, OK where Becky took a job as an administrative assistant in the financial aid office at Oklahoma State University. After a few years, Becky transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Dept. office at OSU. She later accepted a position with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education where she worked in the purchasing department, as well as working as a switchboard operator. Becky spent more than 15 yrs with Career Tech before retiring in May of 2013.
Becky was a Spirit filled God fearing woman who was known for the strength of her faith in Jesus Christ. She valued the Church, had a heart for worship, and understood the power in prayer. She will be remembered for her relentless positive and hopeful perspective in life, her generosity and compassion for others, and her beautiful smile. Becky loved her husband Doug passionately, she took great pride in caring for her children and grandchildren, and she cherished and loved all her family unconditionally, those by blood, those by marriage, and those by heart. Becky was exceptional in her love and devotion as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
Becky loved traveling, whether it was a weekend drive or a cross country road trip. She enjoyed camping and boating at the lake with her friends and family. Becky made her home beautiful with her decorating skills and took pleasure in gardening and tending to her flowers and yard. She always dressed fashionably, loved shopping, and had a knack for finding the best deals. Becky was creative and enjoyed sewing and making crafts with her grandchildren. She volunteered her time and talents in making dresses, blankets, and dolls for children in need around the world.
Becky was a blessing to everyone who knew her, she was dearly loved by many, and will be greatly missed by all. But her life, love, and faith will continue to produce much fruit through the seeds she planted in the hearts of so many.
Becky was preceded in death by by father, William Francis Sednek, her brother, Tom Sednek and sisters, Joan McLaughlin and Tina Sednek.
Survived by her husband Doug Newkirk and six children: Jason and Lynda Stromski, Jessica Stromski, Delana Miller, Dusty and Naomi Newkirk, Debby Hendrix, and Kenny and Kim Nolting.
Mother: Kathryn Irene Sednek.
11 Grandchildren: Autumn Focht, Kendall Nolting, Carly Miller, Clinton Miller, Andrew Miller, Brianna Newkirk , Korea Stromski, Zarah Stromski, Eden Rose Stromski, Hayden Stromski, Kayla Bunch
7 Great Grandchildren: Axel Focht, Jainy Daye Focht, Amelia Nolting, Hadley Nolting, Ezra Holland, Paxton Morris, Aaliyah Newkirk
9 sisters and their spouses: Judy and Bob Schmidt, Alice and Bruce Dice, Tracy and Cy Duvall, Nanette and Tom Lee, Anita Jo Sednek Amy and Jeff Ruxer, Marcia Sednek and Guy , Margaret and David Smith , Mary Wilson
3 brothers and their spouses: Mike Sednek and Charlie Sednek, Johan Sednek and Elaine Sednek, Stephen F. Sednek
Special Friends: Sam and Cheryl Burry
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and friends
Funeral services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home and a service celebrating Becky's life will be held at 10:00am on Monday, March 10, 2014 at Mehan Union Church in Stillwater.
A private family burial will take place late that afternoon. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12pm to 6pm on Sunday with the family greeting friends from 4pm to 6pm Sunday evening.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Becky Newkirk Family Education Fund in care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home 5106 N. Washington, Stillwater, OK 74075
Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.pmcfh.com
Rushville Consolidated High School Class of 1970
************************************
March 4, 2014, Stillwater News Press
UPDATE: Stillwater woman lone fatality in 104-vehicle pileup in Denver
By Elizabeth Keys
STILLWATER, Okla. — A 104-vehicle pile-up on a two-mile stretch of Interstate 25 in Denver claimed the life of Stillwater resident Rebecca "Becky" Newkirk, 61, Saturday.
"She was killed instantly," said her sewing friend Karan Brunken who had spoken to family friends. Newkirk's husband, Charles "Doug" Newkirk was driving the vehicle when it was struck from behind.
The Denver Post reported Newkirk's husband was preparing to bring his wife's body home to Stillwater from Denver.
"She was a God-loving woman," her husband told the Post Tuesday. "People will remember how nice she was, and how much she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren."
Denver Police reported more than 30 injuries from the massive pile-up but Becky Newkirk was the lone fatality in the chain of accidents that dominoed when a fast-moving snowstorm hit south Denver Saturday morning.
The Newkirks had traveled to Denver to see her mother, Kathryn Sednek, who lives in a nursing home, Little Sisters of the Poor, Brunken said.
"It's hard to believe she's gone. She was a sweet Christian," Brunken said.
They were going to start walking together when Newkirk got back from Denver. The two became acquainted at Mehan Union Church and when Newkirk bought a new sewing machine, they decided to join sewing groups devoted to supporting missions throughout the world. Although Doug Newkirk still worked for the Oklahoma State University Physical Plant, Becky found she had more time after retiring.
Newkirk was a regular sewing with the Life Church Sew Sisters and Angels of Mercy groups led by Gail Metcalf. The group recently made dresses for the Payne County chapter of Dress a Girl Around the World.
"The Angels of Mercy make no-sew blankets for cancer patients. Becky would also gather with another friend each week to make dolls for Dress a Girl," Metcalf said.
At a meeting to bless the dresses being hand-carried to Haiti in January, Newkirk said the reason she sewed so faithfully was "My heart hurts when I think of the little girls needing clothes and not having any toys — it's a responsibility and something God would want me to do."
She said she felt like it was an easy and inexpensive way to make a difference. Her children will continue making a difference in the community with her son, Jason Stromski, serving with the Stillwater Fire Department since 2002.
Many in the family are still in Colorado with a small service planned Wednesday. They will bring the body home for a funeral service at Mehan Union Church which will be finalized later this week. Palmer Marler Carberry in Stillwater is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Newkirk is survived by five children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
"She left this world not worried about her children because they have Doug," Brunken said. "She had all the faith in Doug."
************************************
The Denver Post
March 4, 2014
Rebecca Newkirk loved to travel with her husband, Charles, especially since she retired at 61 years old last May. She loved Colorado's mountains, and she loved camping near the big lakes in Arkansas, her husband said.
Tuesday afternoon Charles Newkirk was preparing to take his wife's body home to Stillwater, Okla., from Denver for a funeral next Monday.
Rebecca Newkirk was the lone fatality in the 104-car pileup on Interstate 25 in a fast-moving snowstorm that left roads slick and caused brief white-out conditions. .
The couple were in Colorado to visit friends, and Charles Newkirk was at the wheel when their vehicle was hit from behind.
"She was a God-loving woman," her husband said Tuesday afternoon, soon after the Denver Medical Examiner's Office released his wife's name .
She is survived by five children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
"People will remember how nice she was, and how much she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren," Charles Newkirk said.
The Newkirks, originally from Indiana, were married 32 years ago. They both worked at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater for awhile, then his wife moved on to work at a nearby vocational and technical school until she retired, Charles Newkirk said.
Thirty people injured in the pile up Saturday were taken to three local hospitals. Most were released Saturday, hospital representatives said.
Three were admitted in serious condition to Denver Health Medical Center, but their conditions were not immediately available Tuesday afternoon.
Denver police are expected to issue a report on the pileup at] the end of the week or early next week on the investigation into clusters of crashes that occurred over a 1.5-mile stretch of the northbound lanes between Logan Street and University Boulevard. The pileup happened at about 11 a.m. and closed the interstate for five hours.
Joey Buinch: 303-954-1174, [email protected] or twitter.com/Joeybunch
Rebecca Suzanne Sednek was born in Rushville Indiana on July 11, 1952, the daughter of the late William F. Sednek and Kathryn (Sullivan) Sednek. She was raised and educated in Rushville, IN. In 1982, Becky finally gave in to several months of begging, and married the love of her life and her soulmate, Doug Newkirk. Shortly after the wedding, Becky and Doug relocated to Stillwater, OK where Becky took a job as an administrative assistant in the financial aid office at Oklahoma State University. After a few years, Becky transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Dept. office at OSU. She later accepted a position with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education where she worked in the purchasing department, as well as working as a switchboard operator. Becky spent more than 15 yrs with Career Tech before retiring in May of 2013.
Becky was a Spirit filled God fearing woman who was known for the strength of her faith in Jesus Christ. She valued the Church, had a heart for worship, and understood the power in prayer. She will be remembered for her relentless positive and hopeful perspective in life, her generosity and compassion for others, and her beautiful smile. Becky loved her husband Doug passionately, she took great pride in caring for her children and grandchildren, and she cherished and loved all her family unconditionally, those by blood, those by marriage, and those by heart. Becky was exceptional in her love and devotion as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
Becky loved traveling, whether it was a weekend drive or a cross country road trip. She enjoyed camping and boating at the lake with her friends and family. Becky made her home beautiful with her decorating skills and took pleasure in gardening and tending to her flowers and yard. She always dressed fashionably, loved shopping, and had a knack for finding the best deals. Becky was creative and enjoyed sewing and making crafts with her grandchildren. She volunteered her time and talents in making dresses, blankets, and dolls for children in need around the world.
Becky was a blessing to everyone who knew her, she was dearly loved by many, and will be greatly missed by all. But her life, love, and faith will continue to produce much fruit through the seeds she planted in the hearts of so many.
Becky was preceded in death by by father, William Francis Sednek, her brother, Tom Sednek and sisters, Joan McLaughlin and Tina Sednek.
Survived by her husband Doug Newkirk and six children: Jason and Lynda Stromski, Jessica Stromski, Delana Miller, Dusty and Naomi Newkirk, Debby Hendrix, and Kenny and Kim Nolting.
Mother: Kathryn Irene Sednek.
11 Grandchildren: Autumn Focht, Kendall Nolting, Carly Miller, Clinton Miller, Andrew Miller, Brianna Newkirk , Korea Stromski, Zarah Stromski, Eden Rose Stromski, Hayden Stromski, Kayla Bunch
7 Great Grandchildren: Axel Focht, Jainy Daye Focht, Amelia Nolting, Hadley Nolting, Ezra Holland, Paxton Morris, Aaliyah Newkirk
9 sisters and their spouses: Judy and Bob Schmidt, Alice and Bruce Dice, Tracy and Cy Duvall, Nanette and Tom Lee, Anita Jo Sednek Amy and Jeff Ruxer, Marcia Sednek and Guy , Margaret and David Smith , Mary Wilson
3 brothers and their spouses: Mike Sednek and Charlie Sednek, Johan Sednek and Elaine Sednek, Stephen F. Sednek
Special Friends: Sam and Cheryl Burry
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and friends
Funeral services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home and a service celebrating Becky's life will be held at 10:00am on Monday, March 10, 2014 at Mehan Union Church in Stillwater.
A private family burial will take place late that afternoon. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12pm to 6pm on Sunday with the family greeting friends from 4pm to 6pm Sunday evening.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Becky Newkirk Family Education Fund in care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home 5106 N. Washington, Stillwater, OK 74075
Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.pmcfh.com
Rushville Consolidated High School Class of 1970
************************************
March 4, 2014, Stillwater News Press
UPDATE: Stillwater woman lone fatality in 104-vehicle pileup in Denver
By Elizabeth Keys
STILLWATER, Okla. — A 104-vehicle pile-up on a two-mile stretch of Interstate 25 in Denver claimed the life of Stillwater resident Rebecca "Becky" Newkirk, 61, Saturday.
"She was killed instantly," said her sewing friend Karan Brunken who had spoken to family friends. Newkirk's husband, Charles "Doug" Newkirk was driving the vehicle when it was struck from behind.
The Denver Post reported Newkirk's husband was preparing to bring his wife's body home to Stillwater from Denver.
"She was a God-loving woman," her husband told the Post Tuesday. "People will remember how nice she was, and how much she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren."
Denver Police reported more than 30 injuries from the massive pile-up but Becky Newkirk was the lone fatality in the chain of accidents that dominoed when a fast-moving snowstorm hit south Denver Saturday morning.
The Newkirks had traveled to Denver to see her mother, Kathryn Sednek, who lives in a nursing home, Little Sisters of the Poor, Brunken said.
"It's hard to believe she's gone. She was a sweet Christian," Brunken said.
They were going to start walking together when Newkirk got back from Denver. The two became acquainted at Mehan Union Church and when Newkirk bought a new sewing machine, they decided to join sewing groups devoted to supporting missions throughout the world. Although Doug Newkirk still worked for the Oklahoma State University Physical Plant, Becky found she had more time after retiring.
Newkirk was a regular sewing with the Life Church Sew Sisters and Angels of Mercy groups led by Gail Metcalf. The group recently made dresses for the Payne County chapter of Dress a Girl Around the World.
"The Angels of Mercy make no-sew blankets for cancer patients. Becky would also gather with another friend each week to make dolls for Dress a Girl," Metcalf said.
At a meeting to bless the dresses being hand-carried to Haiti in January, Newkirk said the reason she sewed so faithfully was "My heart hurts when I think of the little girls needing clothes and not having any toys — it's a responsibility and something God would want me to do."
She said she felt like it was an easy and inexpensive way to make a difference. Her children will continue making a difference in the community with her son, Jason Stromski, serving with the Stillwater Fire Department since 2002.
Many in the family are still in Colorado with a small service planned Wednesday. They will bring the body home for a funeral service at Mehan Union Church which will be finalized later this week. Palmer Marler Carberry in Stillwater is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Newkirk is survived by five children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
"She left this world not worried about her children because they have Doug," Brunken said. "She had all the faith in Doug."
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The Denver Post
March 4, 2014
Rebecca Newkirk loved to travel with her husband, Charles, especially since she retired at 61 years old last May. She loved Colorado's mountains, and she loved camping near the big lakes in Arkansas, her husband said.
Tuesday afternoon Charles Newkirk was preparing to take his wife's body home to Stillwater, Okla., from Denver for a funeral next Monday.
Rebecca Newkirk was the lone fatality in the 104-car pileup on Interstate 25 in a fast-moving snowstorm that left roads slick and caused brief white-out conditions. .
The couple were in Colorado to visit friends, and Charles Newkirk was at the wheel when their vehicle was hit from behind.
"She was a God-loving woman," her husband said Tuesday afternoon, soon after the Denver Medical Examiner's Office released his wife's name .
She is survived by five children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
"People will remember how nice she was, and how much she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren," Charles Newkirk said.
The Newkirks, originally from Indiana, were married 32 years ago. They both worked at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater for awhile, then his wife moved on to work at a nearby vocational and technical school until she retired, Charles Newkirk said.
Thirty people injured in the pile up Saturday were taken to three local hospitals. Most were released Saturday, hospital representatives said.
Three were admitted in serious condition to Denver Health Medical Center, but their conditions were not immediately available Tuesday afternoon.
Denver police are expected to issue a report on the pileup at] the end of the week or early next week on the investigation into clusters of crashes that occurred over a 1.5-mile stretch of the northbound lanes between Logan Street and University Boulevard. The pileup happened at about 11 a.m. and closed the interstate for five hours.
Joey Buinch: 303-954-1174, [email protected] or twitter.com/Joeybunch
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