On June 6, 2025, Rebecca “Becky” Dawn (Welch) Vandewalker passed away at Centennial Park Retirement Village. Becky was born the oldest of seven children to Donald and Cassie (Bryant) Welch on February 3, 1954 in Sutherland, NE.
After attending the District 8 country school southwest of Paxton, Becky went on to attend and graduate from Ogallala High School with the class of 1974. Upon finishing high school, Becky began her lifelong career in customer service, doing what she was passionate about – helping others. She worked at various businesses throughout Keith County and Lincoln County, Nebraska. For a short time, she also worked at the Capitol in Lincoln, NE.
Becky held an adoration for anything involving horses and held a special place in her heart for her Sun Conure parrot (Sunny), a loyal companion for many years. She was a lover of old country western music and enjoyed crafting, which filled much of her extra time, especially painting ceramics. She was also known to play a round or two of keno as well as pull some tabs back on a few pickle cards every now and again. One of her most favorite things to do was play cards, whether it was Liverpool rummy with family or just a good old game of Solitaire. Becky possessed an infectious laugh filled with joy as well as a love that knew no bounds. She held an intense love for her family, especially her many nieces and nephews. Spoiling the residents and staff at the nursing home came naturally to her; she simply wanted to see those around her smile. She was a fiercely loyal friend and longed for that same love and friendship to be returned to her.
Those that remain to carry on Becky’s love include her siblings Pat (Teresa) Welch of North Platte, Diane (Leo) Gonzalez of Lexington, Michael Welch of North Platte, William (Judy) Welch of Paxton, Thomas Welch of North Platte, and Gina (Scott) Covington of Vancouver, WA; nieces and nephews Matt (Crystal) Welch, Melissa (Brad) Moorhous, Austin (Brittney) Welch, Jeremy (Mandy) Evans, Sadie (Brad) Worthing, Jesse (Mary) Evans, Chloe (Edwin) Perdomo, Barron Gonzalez, Kolby Welch, Willie Welch, Emily (Noel) Hernandez, Max Covington, and Alex Covington; several great nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family.
Becky is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Cassie; nephew, Connor Covington; and niece, Molly Welch.
In honor of Becky, memorials are suggested to the North Platte Opportunity Center.
Expressions of sympathy and live streaming of the service can be seen at www.adamsswanson.com.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 9:30 AM CDT with Rev. Joe Kadaprayil as Celebrant at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte.
Christian wake services will be held thirty minutes prior to mass at 9 AM CDT. A private Burial will be held at a later date at Paxton Cemetery. Book signing will be on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 9 AM to 7 PM CDT with family present to greet friends from 5 PM to 7 PM CDT at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is coordinating arrangements.