Rebecca Rose Shafer

Rebecca “Becky” Rose Shafer, 77, of Newton, died Sunday, August 11, 2024, at UnityPoint Marshalltown. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Moose Lodge in Newton, with a luncheon to follow at noon.  Memorials in Becky’s name can be left at the Moose Lodge on the day of the service or at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. Please make checks payable to Tonia Stevens.

Becky, the daughter of Burl Dean and Grace Roselan (Keith) Hawkins, was born February 28, 1947, in Knoxville. Her family moved to Newton when she was a young child.  Becky was united in marriage with Dale Laverne Stevens on March 2, 1963. They had 4 children: Jennifer, Tony, Joe and Tim. Although the couple later divorced, they enjoyed many years together and loved square dancing and bowling. Bowling was a hobby that Becky enjoyed for several years, participating in both leagues and tournaments.  Becky also enjoyed sewing and crafting. She made quilts for all her children and grandchildren, along with many others.  Becky was also a collector, with her kitchen full of pig pictures and knick knacks and her bathroom covered wall to wall with Cherished Teddies.

Becky was a stay-at-home mom while her children were in school. After that, she worked as a CNA at several nursing homes in Newton.  She enjoyed caring for the elderly and worked as a CNA until her body could no longer handle it.  She then went on to work part-time jobs over the next few years. She especially enjoyed working at a sewing company where she was continually sewing, fixing, and learned to use the serger. She later worked for the Iowa DOT doing rest area maintenance. She retired in 2013.

Becky is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Bruns of Brooklyn; her 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; her sister, Judy Taylor; her brother, Donny (Nancy) Hawkins of Appleton, WI; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Tony, Joe, and Tim Stevens; grandson, Jeremy Stevens; great-granddaughter, Kally Inez Bestell; her brothers, Danny and Ronnie Hawkins; and her sisters, Linda Joy Hawkins and Trudy Delk.