In loving memory of

Rebecca Anne Smith
November 14, 1942 - April 15, 2017

Rebecca Anne Smith passed away on April 15, 2017 at St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ. She is survived by her loving husband Dr. Koert R. Smith, Chandler, AZ, brother Jim Denly, Erie, CO, sons Robert Corzatt, Kingston Smith, Barret Smith and daughters Catharine Mayfield and Alys Williams, eleven Grandchildren and three great Grandchildren. Becky, as she is preferred to be called, was born on November 14, 1942 to Bernard Eugene Denly and Vada Leona Carlson in Little York, IL.

Becky graduated from Media Wever High School in Media IL in 1960. In 1971, she received her LPN from the State of Iowa Board of Nursing. She attended Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, Iowa and received her Associate Degree in Science in Nursing in 1975 and in 1981 she completed her Associate Degree from the Nursing Program. In 1982, Becky was awarded her Paramedic Certificate from the State of Iowa. She was certified as an Emergency Nurse in 1985 and in 1991 she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Iowa Wesleyan College.

As a nurse she was a Clinical Teaching Assistant in The University of Iowa College of Nursing's Nurse Internship Program. Becky worked in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department, Emergency Room, and Intensive Care Unit at the Burlington Medical Center. She then accepted a nursing opportunity to join the Orthopedic and Reconstructive Surgery office where she assisted patients with orthopedic care in the office, hospital and operating room. During her time as a nurse in Burlington, Becky was a member of the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses and sat on the Board of Directors for the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board. Becky had a passion and love for nursing and believed that every patient deserved the very best in care.

In 1993 she married Dr. Koert R. Smith. Becky was also a Deacon and Elder at the First Christian Church in Burlington, Iowa where she facilitated marriage enrichment classes at the Church. She retired in 1997 and she and Koert focused their attention on various Mission Trips to Cameroon (in 1998 and 1999), Hyderabad, India (1998), and Hondurus (1999). Becky and Koert Moved to the Phoenix, Arizona area in 2005. She was a member of Compass Christian Church (f/k/a Chandler Christian Church) where she provided nursery care, participated in prison ministry, and participated in marriage enrichment seminars.

Becky was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking and baking. She enjoyed seeing the world and traveled to all 7 continents and 50 states. She leaves a legacy of love for her family and friends and will be held closely in the hearts of many.

Becky's Graveside Memorial Service will be held at Aspen Grove in Burlington, IA at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 20, 2017. The service will be followed by a lunch open to family and friends at a location to be determined.

Memorial donations may be made to: Barrow Neurological Foundation, 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013.

When sending a donation please note that the donation should be directed "for the use by the Muhammed Ali Parkinson's Center."

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