Rebecca (Becky) Bending (Kimak) joined her loved ones Tuesday September 27, 2010, in Yakima, WA after a battle with congestive heart future.
Becky was born to Annie D. Moody and Oleson T. Reuben in Culdesac, Idaho. She was an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation and a descendent of the Nez Perce Wallawa Band of Indians. She met her husband Raymond L Bending of 52 years in Phoenix, Ariz. They were married in Glendale, California on October 27, 1957.
Becky graduated from Cook Christian Training School in Phoenix, Ariz. She completed her Bachelors Degree in Sociology from the University of California at Los Angeles and Masters of Social Work from the University of Washington. She was employed as a social worker for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe for 12 years and the Yakama Nation for about 5 years. She was a renowned corn husk weaver and a member of the Northwest Basket weaving Association. She was piano player and choir director of the First American Indian Church in Los Angeles and Talmaks Presbyterian Camp Meeting and piano player for the White Swan Methodist Church. Becky was active in the following organizations: Secretary and Board member of the Endangered Language Fund; a member of the Advisory Board of the Indian Center West in Culver City, CA; Director of the Youth Group in Muckleshoot and appointed member of the Local Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committee. She touched the lives of many people.
She is survived by her husband Raymond; their sons Reuben of Granger and Raymond Leroy Bending, Jr. of Wapato; two grandsons Nickels Bending and Andrew Bending of Granger; her sisters Myra Rosales of Wapato, Pauline Eyle and Alex of Wapato, Jackie Wapato of Lapwai, Lydia Arneecher and Kenneth of Salinas, Calif., Horace Axtell and Andrea of Lewiston; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Annie Moody and Oleson Reuben, step-father Edion E Wapato, three brothers, Leander Kipp, Oleson Reuben Jr, Edion Wapato Jr. and one sister, Elizabeth Red Bear.
The family wishes to thank the Critical Care Unit of Memorial Hospital for their superior and loving care along with all the family and friends who offered their prayers and support.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010 at Wilbur Memorial United Methodist Church in White Swan at 7:00 p.m.
Friday services will be held at 7:00 p.m. in Spalding ID at the Spalding Presbyterian Church.. Saturday funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. in Ferdinand, ID at the Meadow Creek Presbyterian Church, with burial following at Meadow Creek Presbyterian Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato, WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 4, 2011
Michael Sayo
Rebecca, you will live in many peoples memories and we will cherish all your support and devotion to help other peoples across the world. May the Lord send his angles to watch over you.
You are in our thoughts
October 18, 2010
stan de Mello
Dear Ray and family, I was very sorry to hear about your great loss. Becky was such an important life-long, loyal and wonderful partner. We were honored to have met and know her. We hold you in our prayers and thoughts. Warmly, Stan, Kathleen and family
October 6, 2010
Danette
She was a kind, caring woman. Always willing to lend support any way that she could. She was a natural resource for Nimiiputimpt, corn husking, basket weaving, music. A true matriarch...she loved her family with all of her heart. Love you forever...
October 5, 2010
Dayna Arneecher
I love you Auntie Becky and I will miss you so much. Thank you for being such a wonderful role model. I will remember all the great times we had together. Those times were always so special to me. You will always be in my heart! Love you always. Dayna J. Arneecher
October 5, 2010
I believe that I went to High School many years ago with Rebecca and her sister Pauline. This was the Ferdinand, Idaho High School and my name is Evelyn Behler Welter. Rebecca's last name was Rueben and Pauline's was Wapato. If this is the right Rebecca, I do want to say I am sorry to hear of her death, but happy to know what a great and wonderful person she became as she lived her life. God bless you as you go on in eternity. I want also to say "hello" to Pauline. We were in the same class and I hope your life has been as good and fruitful as Rebecca's. Love, Evelyn
October 3, 2010
Tirsea McNeal
I will miss Becky very much She was a friend, mentor and "sister". I have many happy memories of our visits. I will miss her laughter and stories. My prayers now go to Ray and their family.
October 1, 2010
Florence Starr
My prayers to the family of this wonderful lady; i remember when she worked with the Muckleshoot Tribe. She always had a smile; and made everyone feel very welcomed. She will be missed greatly.
September 30, 2010
MarLu Primero Scott
Becky was a vital member of the Wilbur Memorial United Methodist Church. As her pastor, I sensed wisdom as she gifted compassion and concern for children, youth and their parents who needed encouragement in dealing with their existential predicament. She would find ways to provide tools to assist them transcend the challenges they encounter daily. It was always a relief to see her in church because she was our piano player. She will be sorely missed.
MarLu Primero Scott,
Director Christian Spiritual Formation and Chaplain, Union Theological Seminary, Damarinas, Cavite, Philippines
September 29, 2010
Fred & Leona Gabourie
We have known Becky Bending for many years from Southern California to Washington. What a bneautiful woman who spent her life working and doing for Indian children and families everywhere she lived. Yes, she lived for her family and for the people. She was a real live dynamo.All who knew her loved her. Our deepest sympathy and prayers for Becky.and her family. LOVE
FRED and LEONA GABOURIE, (SR>)
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