Rebecca Gail Hecker

Rebecca G. (Smith) Hecker, 53, of Ellwood City, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
 
Rebecca was born on September 5, 1970 in Erie, PA to Elton and Martha (Blank) Smith. Rebecca grew up in Girard, a 1988 graduate from Girard High School, and continued her education at Grove City College where she received her undergraduate degree in psychology. In pursuit of bettering herself, she continued her education at Gannon University attaining a Master’s Degree. She traversed various employment roles over the years following, applying her education to help others, while also embracing many lifelong friends. Rebecca’s area of counseling and therapy was centered around troubled youth, she concentrated her efforts toward building the tools these young people would need to succeed in this ever-changing world. 
 
Chris and Rebecca loved spending time on their pontoon boat on Pymatuning Lake with their dogs happily accompanying; Rebecca basked in the simple joys of sunshine and quiet repose as she read or listened to audio books. They enjoyed traveling and shared many precious memories together from these experiences. In wintry months, Rebecca stayed busy crafting, which she excelled at, delighting in creations made by her own hands. For friends and family, she made many intricate photo albums, displaying her love on each page. Rebecca enjoyed hosting parties, bringing others together to talk and to facilitate the purchase of an assortment of crafted items.  In addition, Becky did beautiful needlework. Becky loved to cook and bake, always trying her hand at new recipes. She developed her own versions of wonderful cheesecakes, which were in high demand at local restaurants. She also created stamping art and cards for every event of life; a hand-made token for those she cared for to hold near and dear. Rebecca’s generous care for others spilled over into many parts of her life, a living example of unselfishness that we should all strive for. Rebecca loved to sing and shared her talent with others in school and at the Emmanuel Christian Church throughout the years. 
 
She was preceded in death by her father, Elton Smith and brother, Gene Smith.
 
She will be greatly missed by her family, which includes her husband, Chris Hecker whom she married on October 4, 1997 in Girard; mother, Martha Smith; sisters, Brenda Smith, Karen (Bob) Carll; nephew, Brandon (Lisa) Carll; niece, Lindsey Carll; great nephews, Dalton Carll and Ashton Carll; pups, Misty and Schatzi.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ellwood City Fire Department, 411 6th St., Ellwood City, PA 16117.
 
Friends may call on Thursday April 11, 2024 from 4:00 pm to the time of service at 7:00 pm. at Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main St. E., Girard, PA.

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