Rebecca Adams

Compassionate, caring, forthright, and having a positive outlook on life are some of the words that would describe Rebecca Mae Adams. In the 1950’s the country was in the midst of the post-war baby boom. Families were growing at record rates and communities were building a multitude of homes and schools to keep up with the demands of the ever- growing population. Betty and Ray Noel were no exception to this American trend of family as all three of their children were born in these times of simplicity. It was a time happiness and celebration when their second child, Rebecca Mae was born on May 27, 1953 in Kalamazoo. Becky grew up on Apple Street in Portage in a modest house. She attended Pershing Elementary along with the other children in the neighborhood whom she played ordinary, common games such as tag, hide and seek, and kick the can. She shared a bedroom with her older sister Laura and was always misplacing things on her half of the room, which was always the messy half. At times she picked on her younger brother Ernie but was there for him when he was in need. She was actively involved in the Girl Scouts as both a youth and a teenager and she earned her spending money by babysitting. Her childhood was carefree and gave her a strong foundation for the remainder of her life. After graduating from Portage Central High School in 1971, Becky moved in with some family friends on their dairy farm near Big Rapids. It was a chance for her to venture on her own and learn about life. While living on the farm she met and married Brian Burgess. Together they enjoyed activities such as deer hunting and talking on their HAM and CB radios. Their marriage would end in divorce after about 5 years. Becky had a few jobs throughout her life but one of her favorite jobs was working with the animals for scientific research in Mattawan. She loved being around animals and cared for them immensely whether they were her own or hummingbirds at her feeder just outside of her back window. Currently she cared for 3 dogs: Max, Maggie, and Jake, 5 cats: Sparky, Tommy, Blackie, Kitty Puss and Momma Cat and 4 birds including Bird and Babe. She was careful, gentle and patient with all of her animals and many of her birds that she owned through the years were hand fed. While working in Mattawan she met Bob Adams. They were married in June of 1981 and for many years they lived in Florida. They enjoyed each other’s company and had many good times riding their motorcycles and enjoying the sunshine state. Their marriage sadly ended in divorce after close to 18 years of marriage. When life throws someone a curve, many times one will be bitter or question God. Becky had many opportunities in life to be bitter or ask the question of “why me.” She was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of five, later in life she developed Lupus, needed a kidney transplant and had her leg partially amputated. But through all of her trials and tribulations she kept a positive outlook on life and just dealt with the circumstances one day at a time. When her health started to decline in the last few years, she would remain independent and live with dignity to the best of her capabilities. It was her courage and perspective on life that gave hope and inspiration to her family and friends to live their lives to the fullest. Stephen King was Becky’s favorite author and she enjoyed reading all sorts of science fiction novels. She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting and watching movies about animals. She also was a very caring person who would send out cards and notes to her family members on their birthdays and other special. Her relationship with her brother, sister, and mother grew and developed within the last few years to something that was special and it was grown out love and admiration. Becky died on Friday, July 18, 2003 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. She follows in death her father Ray Noel and her step-father Robert Barnes. Members of her family include her mother Betty Barnes of Lawton, her sister Laura and her husband Harold Betz of Portage and her brother Ernest and his wife Bonnie Noel of Portage. Other members of her family include 2 step brothers: Robert Barnes of South Carolina and Timothy Barnes of Vicksburg, 3 step sisters: Ona Jean Doolittle, Teresa Fouts of Vicksburg, Lisa Hardenbrook of Comstock and 6 nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Sunday and from 2-4 and 6-8pm on Monday at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Funeral Home, Portage Chapel where her Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2pm on Tuesday. Burial will be at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. To read Becky’s life story, share a memory, make a donation to the Kidney Foundation or the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission or to order flowers, please visit her personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com