Rebecca "Becky" Kathleen Kahanek – November 5, 1951 – May 31, 2017

Becky, this great daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was much more than these few words can express. Becky was born in Atlanta, GA, November 5, 1951 to the lucky parents of Mary (Powell) Kahanek and Eugene A. Kahanek, adding to the family of three children, Gary, Connie and Glenn. The Kahanek family moved from Atlanta, Georgia to Fort Worth, Texas, and then on to Lubbock, Texas.

Becky's education from grade school, though high school and college was in Lubbock. She majored in Horticulture Science at Texas Tech University instilling a life-long love of horticulture and landscape design. Becky was very unassuming about her knowledge and skill, but just ask and she would diplomatically brief you on the latest care of that questionable plant or related problem. A camera was always a part of Becky's essamble to capture a good photo of that specimen plant. Once while casually driving through a neighborhood, Becky stopped to photograph an exceptional yard; the owner came out asked who she was and why was she taking pictures of their house. She explained, and Cynthia Mitchell invited her into their home. George and a couple of the children were home, she met everyone, and they discussed some of the latest plans for The Woodlands. She said they were an extremely gracious family. To this day there may be some priceless photos on undeveloped "film"…..way before digital.

After college, Becky moved to Chicago working for a specialized wholesale company, and transferred with them when they relocated to Sarasota, Fla. Looking to move closer to family, she returned to Houston working for her friend, Linda Kornbleat, who has an insulation business. Linda is a wonderful friend Becky has had from grade school and throughout her life. Becky returned to her first love of horticulture with a position at a large nursery and landscaping company. When the nursery closed, she stayed in Houston working for Sandelius Industries for many years, and these past ten years for Knape Associates of Houston.

Becky was enthusiastic about so many things, maybe first, she loved animals. Her favorite animal is the elephant, but they are a little big to manage, so her dog became a personal companion. There are three dogs that made the special list. First, was Yogi, a Schnauzer she had in Lubbock, later after college she had an Irish Setter, Adolph, and then Boo, an Airedale. On the weekends, Becky would pack up her camera, fishing poles, and Boo in her red (favorite color) Jeep, and head out to Swiss Alp for a getaway to enjoy the countryside. She would just shine with pleasure when talking about those fun days.

It was family first with Becky. All her nieces and nephews would say they were her favorite because she would make each one feel that special to her.

Tony Kahanek, Becky's nephew, remembers when his first child, Ryan, was born, Becky boldly claimed that I had made her a great aunt. She enjoyed that title of being a GREAT AUNT! It made me feel good to have her approval. I now have a granddaughter, so Becky is now a GREAT, GREAT AUNT, as an aunt, but more importantly as the GREAT and loving person she was to me.

Her nephew Mike Kahanek has many adventuresome and exciting tales, each one relates their close bond and understanding of each other. She would join in the party and make it magical and fun. "She was cool and hip like that." "We had a blast". He knew that her visits to his parents' and connection with him was the glue that kept our family together. I loved my Aunt Becky more than I can express in words and lucky to have her in my life.

Becky's niece, Stacy, remembers her as young, spunky and full of confidence and wanted nothing more than to get her attention when she stopped by Grandmother's home. Once she mailed me a set of gold earrings shaped like elephants; Aunt Becky loved elephants and so I loved those earrings. She taught me about plants and dogs and how to enjoy the moment without frills or demands, with humor in the moment. I miss you Aunt Becky and my heart warms with the image of you smiling and laughing.

Her nephew Josh Spivey, had a big sister in Becky, but way more fun and understanding. He could confide things to her knowing she would keep his confidence, plus give sage advice. Becky made every event more fun with her free spirit approach. He remembers the "party" at the farm in Swiss Alp to watch Halley's Comet. How can you add more excitement to such an event, but she did as the comet instantly steaked over us! In the same way as the comet, I feel like she streaked through our lives too

fast, but she has left an amazing trail of love, fun and memories that will always be with me.

Sharon Kahanek (sister-in-law) remembers her first introduction to the enthusiastic, delightful Becky when the Kahanek family moved next door to her family in Lubbock, TX in 1958. Becky immediately established her leadership abilities by organizing children about 10 – 11 years old into fun activities. One was when Becky was the tribal chief and the children were on a safari. Another time, Becky was the trail boss and the children were cowpokes and all the neighborhood dogs were the cattle. Santa knew Becky well, one year he brought a surrey, which soon became the neighborhood van. Another year, Santa brought a complete football uniform and I can still see her calling the shots with her long blond ponytail hanging out under her helmet. I believe Becky picked me for her future sister-in-law. I was mowing the yard and a couple of guys stopped by in their new red, hard top convertible and started flirting with me. Becky hooked up the garden hose and completely doused the car and guys. I will greatly miss Becky and thank her for a lifetime of memories.

Glenn Kahanek (brother) and Connie Stevens (sister) with their lifetime of memories feel that such a wonderful fun-loving sister was still a grounding force. Joe Stevens, Becky's brother-in-law, felt as we did, that Miss Becky was a paradox, she was a whirlwind, with free-spirit optimism, and a traditional retrospect, who invited a fresh perspective into our lives. Glenn and Connie know Becky was the best friend and confidant anyone would be lucky enough to have. We hold a wide-open place in our hearts to cherish the memories of our wonderful sister. Love you Bec!

As much as Becky loved her siblings, nieces, nephews, nothing exceeded the love she had for her Mother and Father.

We will cherish in our hearts the many years of Becky moments and conversations – too many to share. The proudest and fondest memories are of her with family, care of her Mother, showing how to walk in love and honor thy Mother and Father, and by this honor God.

Becky is preceded in death by her Father, Eugene A. Kahanek, and brother Gary E. Kahanek. She is survived by her Mother, Mary (Powell) Kahanek of Houston TX, sister Connie Stevens, her son Joshua Spivey and her husband, Joe Stevens of Spring, TX, brother Glenn Kahanek of Harrah, OK, sister-in-law, Sharon Kahanek of Brazoria, TX, her two sons and daughter, son, Tony Kahanek of Freeport, TX, his children Ryan, Madison, Ava, Tristan, and granddaughter Penelope, son, Mike Kahanek of Lake Jackson, TX, daughter, Stacy Watts and her husband Michael of Dallas, TX, their children Parker, Gavin, Gracy and Ruby.