BECKY PERSELS

Shock waves went through Osceola as the news of Becky's death made its way person to person on the morning of January 28, 2006. "It can't be!" "I talked with her yesterday!" "I just saw her and she was as vivacious as ever!" Various rumors circulated but Lyle gave the accurate report, "On January 26, 2006, Becky experienced pains from kidney stones. We went to Des Moines for outpatient surgery and returned home the same afternoon. The next day she experienced a blood clot that lodged in her lungs, a pulmonary embolism, which resulted in heart failure and her death."

When our minds were a bit settled, we began to consder what we would do without our dependence on her. Immediately ahead of us, on the last Tuesday of January, the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet was scheduled. She played a key role — selling tickets and acting as hostess for the event. Who would take her place? Where would we go for the information she furnished about Osceola past, because she grew up here, or present because she was involved in so many community events and initiated a number of them. Bob Reynoldson referred to preparation for the Cinco de Mayo celebration, calling it "a benefit to have worked closely with Becky in planning and bringing to fruition Osceola's inaugural Cinco de Mayo celebration as well as the one in the succeeding year. I found Becky to be always enthusiastic, and tireless in her efforts in 'bringing off' these celebrations. Becky had a wonderful, optimistic view of things which was infectious. I miss her bright smile and good heart!"

It was always a delight to hear her report at Development meetings, usually starting with the president joking about her height, saying, "Becky, will you stand up to give your report?" to which she would answer, "I am standing." The Chamber of Commerce office was the clearing house for so much correspondence, which she took care of diligently whether it was in answer to a child's question in preparation fora classroom report or official business of some kind.

We suddenly realized our very lives were going to change because we'd grown accustomed to attending the informal Wednesday morning coffees arranged by Becky, sponsored by one of the businesses; and what of the Thursday Nights in the Park with food and entertainment, also by her arrangement? She had left a vacant place we couldn't imagine how we would fill.

Her obituary tells a great deal factually: Becky was born Roberta NaDean Reynolds in Leon, Iowa September 27, 1931, the daughter of Robert Reynolds and NaDean Brunotte. She moved to Osceola at 13, where she acquired her lifetime nickname, Becky. Becky graduated from Osceola High School in 1950. She married Lyle Persels, her high school sweetheart, July 4, 1954. She often recalled her high school days with great fondness for singing in the Trio, working on the yearbook, dancing, cheerleading and being with classmates, many of whom became life-long friends.

Through travels in the Navy, Becky and family lived in California, Italy, Midway Island, Florida, Virginia and Texas before returning home to Iowa in 1976.

Becky's life-passions included her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, her community and country, animals of all kinds. She spent her time and energy for the benefit of others. She dedicated her life to raising strong, caring, confident, and committed children, setting an example all through her actions. Becky's dedication to serving the community is evident from her 18 years as manager of the Osceola Chamber of Commerce where she was known to be generous with her time, money, and quick, honest wit. She shared her passion for dogs with her children, whose lives have been greatly enriched by her deep commitment to and compassion for all creatures.

Becky is survived by her husband, Lyle, and her five children — Kevin, Kim Braby, Kelly Ronden, Karla Persels and Kristen Constant; her brother, Ronald Reynolds, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, her father-in-law Kenneth, and numerous nieces and nephews, and all of whom will miss her terribly. Her extended "family" included youth from all over Osceola who she delighted in getting to know and watch grow. Her grandson, Alex, summed her up well by saying, "She may look old, but her heart and mind are young!"

Donations to the family will be given to the Animal Rescue League of Des Moines, a shelter that never turns away an animal in need — much like Becky.

And because we all appreciated her in our individual ways, there follows letters sent in response to our request:

From Rev. Chuck DeVos: If ever there was a person who was accepting of everyone, it was Becky Persels. From my observations, just about the only thing she didn't tolerate was cruelty. Other than that, she viewed every individual with respect. Whenever someone spoke, they had her undivided attention.

Did she have her opinions? Of course she did, and she wasn't shy about sharing them. But that didn't mean she wouldn't listen to those differing from her own.

Becky was an open, honest and caring person who was always asking questions to get to the truth. I recall one incident when I walked into the Chamber of Commerce office to speak to her about a particular subject. Once she had helped me with the appropriate information, she made a statement followed by a question. She said, "Someone told me the other day not to attend the church you pastor because you're Pentecostal. What does it mean to be Pentecostal?"

I was somewhat taken aback that someone would make such a statement but proceeded to answer her question. I took her on a "Reader's Digest" walk through the Book of Acts in the Bible, explaining what took place on the Day of Pentecost and what it means to be Pentecostal today. She listened with rapt attention. When I concluded my explanation her response was, "That's it? So what's the big deal?" My feelings exactly!

I always appreciated the fact that Becky didn't take someone's word for something. If she needed more information, she'd go to the source — a good practice for all of us to follow.

I will always remember her laugh. And when she wasn't laughing, she would often have a mischievous grin on her face. Yes, I saw her "upset" a time or two, but those were the exceptions rather than the rule.

While many know of her gift of the Skateboard Park to the community, she gave much more than that. Her generosity, commitment to serving Osceola and caring for individuals were immeasurable. She was particularly drawn to those who had no one else to fight for them. On more than one occasion, all without fanfare or desire for recognition, she would come to the rescue of someone struggling in life. She once commented to me, "I've received blessings in my life. I want to pass some of those on." And so she did.

My life has been impacted by the life of Becky Persels. She taught me lessons I might not have learned elsewhere. She touched me, many others, and the entire community...and will for many years to come.

Diane Ogburne sent hers in the form of a personal letter.

Dear Bec, Fern asked me to write about you for one of the books! My first thought was "How in the world do I put our friendship into words?" Then I began to "remember" and it didn't seem quite as hard as I thought.

How and when did we become friends?? I can't remember exactly — I am sure it was when I became active in the Osceola Chamber of Commerce — but, Bec, you had been such an important part of my life in so many ways — I can't remember a time when you weren't my friend! It doesn't matter how or when — we shared a friendship that not many people are lucky enough to enjoy during their life! What I do remember is that you were always there — a shoulder to cry on or to lean on! You were an inspiration to me — you reminded me to always remember where I came from, be proud of it and remember those that helped me get to where I am today. Every part of your past was important to you — growing up with photography, being an Osceola Cheerleader, a US Navy wife for all those years, and a very proud Mom! You taught me that every bit of our past is important — "That's why you are who you are," is a message you'd convey.

Bec, I always admired your ease in meeting new people and talking to those you already knew. I am certain you never experienced a bashful moment — you could make anyone, young or old, feel important. You had the ability to listen and hear what people said — remember how we would discuss people listening but not hearing !? We had lots of those conversations and shared lots of laughs — oh! how I miss that laugh!

You always had such a deep understanding of my feelings — you could read my face — my body language and always had a comment for me — sometimes a very frank opinion, or an offer of how to deal with a complicated situation. You were as honest as they come — and all delivered with that warm smile — I miss seeing that, too!

I remember, Bec, what you told me when my Mom passed away: could never or would never try to take her place, but always know I will be here for you. I know you and she were best friends and I will try to be that for you. What you didn't know, Bec, was that you already were a "best friend" and this simple comment helped me survive that dark time in my life.

I treasured our friendship, Bec, our long talks, sometimes agreeing, sometimes not — the fun times we had while working together, endless hours for the good of the Osceola Chamber of Commerce and the community. Spending time with you was always entertaining — my heart holds many special memories!
I could keep writing endlessly about you, Bec, but Fern only has so much room, so I am going to end with this: "How lucky I am to have known someone who was so hard to say goodbye to." With Love — your Forever Friend. Di

Neville and Marlene Clayton chose a different style, listing what they remembered and treasured: Friendliness — her ability to relate to people, especially the young people. She was always ready to visit.

Her love of music: Becky had a stack of CDs that she regularly played while in the office, and Christmas music she played on the loud speaker during that season.

Her pride and love for the country and those who defended it, were evident as she carried her life with Lyle and the military into her work.

From Dave Gorsline:

It is hard to realize that it has been over a year since Becky departed this life. That seems to be the way it is with those who by their very presence among us, impact all those they come in contact with. Becky was that person and in the highly visible position she served as Chamber Secretary, the entire community knew her. They always knew when she was "on duty" by simply driving by the Chamber office to see if the "Orange Bug" was parked out front.

I would make it a point to stop in and visit her once or twice a week just to stay abreast with what was happening in the community. We would often, more times than not, get around to reminiscing about life in the service, or more appropriately, life out of the service. She and her husband Lyle and my wife Wanda and I had both been a part of the military family for 20+ years, so we shared a common bond.

If I had to pinpoint Becky's strongest trait (aside from a fierce love of family, outspokenness and perhaps a bit of stubbornness) it would have to be her genuine interest in and compassion for young people. She especially connected with a group of skate-boarders, who by their distinct dress and the fact they usually moved about in a group, seemed to intimidate many of those they met on the sidewalks around the Osceola square. Becky, however, took the time to get to know them and discovered they were really pretty good kids and she championed their goal in finding a place to practice their art. She did face them head on and demanded they not spoil their chances for a community skate-board park by skating in inappropriate places, being impolite to those they met and not embarrass her by their actions. They listened and respected her and she rewarded "her kids" by donating $25,000 towards the new skate-board park in Osceola. As a result, Osceola can now boast a class facility that in the summer is a popular gathering spot for young skate-boarders.

Those young people who knew her during this period and were members of that first group to benefit from her efforts on their behalf, will most certainly have loving memories; especially in their later years of the one they simply called lady.

From Steve Waterman:

For twelve years, I was fortunate to be near Becky. During my working years, her office was in the building next to my office. At least twice a week, I stopped to see her. We shared a laugh or two. She gave me some of the "older Osceola history." We shared what we knew about current local happenings. During retirement I walk around the square and almost always stopped to see Becky. We continued our relationship of sharing and enjoying each other's company.

One of my fond memories of Becky happened during the summer of 2005. I wanted to introduce my five grandchildren to her and tell them about her wonderful gift to the children of Osceola. Unless prompted, she never talked about the wonderful gift of a skate board park she and Lyle gave to the young people of Osceola. When my grandchildren met her, I told them of the gift and how she involved skate boarders in the planning We did many other things that day. In the evening, we asked each grandchild to tell what they remembered most of that day. Our oldest said, "Meeting the nice lady who gave the gift to kids."
No memory of Becky would be complete without a mention of James Vawn. James was lonely and misunderstood, but he could always count on his friend, Becky, to be there for a kind word or more often motherly advice. She was in his hospital room two days before he died.

These are merely two examples of a person who gave of herself and her talents for the benefit of others. I consider myself fortunate to have been a part of the circle of people she influenced during her lifetime.

Return to main page for Recipes for Living 2007 by Fern Underwood

Last Revised February 17, 2014