Becky Barbata

Becky Lee Barbata 
July 16, 1962 – September 11, 2026

Mother | Grandmother | Daughter | Sister | Aunt | Wife

Becky was a serial creator. Justin told Debbie last month “There were things she would
only tell her sister, there were things she would only tell her son or daughter and there
were things she would only write about in her little notebooks that we keep finding. And
then there were things that she felt that she didn’t know how to put into words. She
expressed those deepest feelings and desires through her art. Anger, Sadness, Joy,
Regret. Love. Heartbreak. You can see it all” Whether it was woodwork, acrylic/oil
painting, sewing, resin, sculpting, carving or air brushing a desert scene on old closet
doors, she was in.

Becky loved cooking and baking for other people. It was one of her many love
languages. Earlier in her life she operated a small catering business, making
sandwiches, salads, trays and homemade cookies whilst also running a neighborhood
daycare out of her small home in Whittier California which also allowed her to stay at
home with her own 3 kids during the day. Becky would cook for a party of 3 or a party of
30 and always eat last (if at all!). She would plan and pack meals for multiple-weeks
long Glamis trips sometimes for the whole campsite. She would even bake a bunch of
cookies at her house and text her kids “the Drive Thru is open” and stand out on the
curb and wait for them to drive by and pick them up just so she could see her kids again
that day even if it was just for 2 minutes.

She was an avid piano player for most of her life until arthritis made it so her fingers
could no longer play. Fur Elise by Beethoven was the last book open on her piano; A
song we’ve all heard her play along with Dream of Me from Phantom of the Opera- her
all time favorite musical, soundtrack, play and inspiration for her art- which she got to
see live on Broadway in New York three years with her 3 kids, unborn grandson and son
in law (thank you Rusty!).

Becky moved to Lake Havasu in 2005 after her mother, Granece, passed away in
Orange County, California in 2004. It is here where her real dream came to fruition, to
be “Grandma”. Braden was born in June of 2023. She spent the remainder of her days
baking sweets and making custom puzzles and toys for him out of wood like a true
Grandma would. Braden breathed a second wind into Becky. She was doing everything
she could to prolong her life just to see him grow up one more day.
Devoted, selfless, compassionate, wise; Becky was a woman of few words, but she
loved and cared deeply for those around her. She will truly be missed.

Letters to Mom,

(Justin)
Mom,
You had so many different interests, hobbies, “favorites” and passions; and used those
to guide and teach me most of my life lessons growing up and through adulthood. It has
made it so that everything around me reminds me of you. It will be impossible to forget
you. Watching you hustle as a single mother raising 3 kids, showed me why women
deserve to be loved and respected. I remember you turning down a charity worker at
the front door that was offering you donated cans of food and even though we probably
needed them, you couldn’t accept the help because there could be someone who needs
it more. You were an exceptional human to even your worst enemy and you literally
walked around with holes in your socks my whole childhood so that your kids didn’t
have to. You gave everybody your all until you had nothing left to give, always and all
ways. There is too much to say because you left too early. On September 11th I lost a
piece of my heart that I will never get back; a kind of love that I will never feel again. I
am honored to have called you my mother and I will love you forever.

(Brianna)
Mom,
I truly never thought the day would come that I would have to say goodbye. You were
not only my mom, but my best friend—the person I could tell anything to, the person
who made me feel safe, and the person I could always trust.
You were the most loving, hardworking, and strongest person I have ever known.
Through every medical issue and every challenge you faced, you kept going and came
back stronger. I may never understand why this happened, but I will love you forever.
You were always involved in our lives from when we were kids till the day you took your
last breath. From our T-ball days and school events to the birth of your first grandson,
and everything in between. You were there every time we were sick or hurt. You gave
up sleep and freedom to make sure your three kids were always cared for and loved.
You made every holiday magical. Christmas was always so special because of your
over-the-top, mostly handmade decorations, treasure hunts, games, and the excitement
of finding our presents. Halloween meant decorations, pumpkin carving, baking the

seeds, and the costumes you lovingly made for us when we were kids. I will always
remember the extravagant homemade cakes, cookies, and treats you baked, and all the
ways you made us feel special.

Even as I grew up, you never stopped being my mom in the sweetest ways. I looked
forward to the Easter baskets and Valentine’s baskets you made for me every
year—even at 36. They reminded me that your love had no age limit.
You were such a fun, loving grandma. Braden was lucky to have you in his life, and he
loved you so much. It breaks my heart knowing that you won’t be here for his first day of
kindergarten and for every big and important moment after. I will always and forever
hold you so close in my heart, and I will try my very best to make you proud. Youve
taught us the value of a dollar, how to be strong and independent, and how to love with
your whole heart.

I will forever cherish every memory we made together and as a family. I am so lucky that
I was able to call you Mom. You showed me what it means to be a mother, and, in my
opinion, you were the best mom I ever could have asked for.
I will keep your love, your lessons, and our family traditions alive. I will do my best to be
strong and to carry forward the love you gave us. You meant the world to me, Mom. I
will never be the same without you, but I will carry you with me always.
I love you more than words can say.