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Rebecca "Becky" Bierbaum, 72, passed away in the early morning on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at La Bella of Alton. Born May 17, 1951, in Alton,
Becky was the daughter of Paul M. Bierbaum, Sr., and Maryella "Skip" (Godwin) Bierbaum. After graduating from Illinois State University, she proudly worked for the Girl Scouts of America. She then continued her education and became an X-ray technician, working at various hospitals in Dyersburg, Tennessee; Granite City, Illinois; and Alton, Illinois. Additionally, Becky became certified as a lay minister, serving both her home church of Evangelical United Church of Christ as well as other area UCC churches.
Becky was proud of her family and was known for her love of dogs, her faith, and her positivity. Becky is survived by a sister-in-law, Kay Bierbaum; a niece, Kim Hulstine (Dave); and a great niece and nephew, Ella and Darren Hulstine, all of Erie, Colorado. Also surviving are many cousins, including Margaret Renken of Alton and Karen Sinks of Brighton.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Paul M. Bierbaum, Jr., a special aunt, Ruth Gwillim, and a very dear friend, Ruth Miller.
There will be a memorial service for Becky at a later time. Memorials may be made to Evangelical United Church of Christ. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
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Marie A. Loraine (Reyne)
I was thankful to be able to keep in touch with Becky after she started working at St. Elizabeth's/Gateway Regional in Granite City as a Sonographer. After she retired, she was able to attend several of our class of '69 get-togethers. Despite health challenges the last several years she always tried to remain upbeat and positive! RIP Becky, we will miss you.
William P. Clugston
I am very saddened to hear of Becky's passing. I met her when we were in Alton High School. May she now rest in her Heavenly reward.🙏
John G. Elliott
I met Becky when I transferred to McKinley School in 2nd grade and we were classmates for the next 10 years. And though we only saw each other at class reunions thereafter, Becky always posted warm birthday greetings on this site. Farewell Becky. You did good things on this earth. -- Johnny
"E" Wilson Burdorff, Jr.
I am greatly saddened to learn of Becky’s passing. I had known her since our classes together in McKinley Elementary School. From there we often were classmates in West Junior High, and then at Alton Senior High. While I can’t recall specific class experiences at AHS, I know while I was tooting my trumpet in Concert Band and the Marching 100, Becky was there with her melodic French horn. I suppose, however, that my favorite memory of Becky with music was back at McKinley. In one of the grades, we had a “talent session” in which students could choose any form of presentation/entertainment to do. I can’t remember what this young boy performed, but I sure remember Becky wearing her straw hat and skillfully lip synching/acting along with a recording of the song “Cotton Fields.”
Rest In Peace, Becky, my schoolmate over so many years.
Florence Hammet (Cohen)
I was so sad to learn Becky had passed away. Seeing her at our reunions was such a joy. They mainly brought back memories of fun times at McKinley Elementary School. And I think I recally rightly that Becky's mom was our fantastic Girl Scout Troop Leader. We sang John Jacob Jingleheimer Jones while marching the blocks around McKinley, made sit-upons and paraffin fire-starters for camping outings, and hawked Girl Scout cookies. But my favorite memory was doing a class project together: we researched and built in Becky's house a large model of Alton Lock and Dam #26!! We painted it industrial gray and somehow got it out the door and to school. Flash forward, and at the reunions talked about her love for her church and lay ministry. A wonderufl spirit, who will be missed.
Paul Miller
I have not seen Becky since graduation, but I remember a kind person who was always smiling and generous. Her outgoing personality and willingness to help people made this world better. She made a difference with all she met and will be missed. Rest in Peace Becky.
Philip H. Jones
I am sorry to hear of Becky's passing. She was always one of "us" in band. She was kind, sweet, and talented!