Becky J Byrd, life-long resident of Edwardsville, KS, new resident of Raymore, MO, died in the home on June 11th, 2020 at the age of 63. She was surrounded in her final days by her loving daughter Magan and her grandchildren Angela, Casey, and Collin.
Becky is survived by her daughter and devoted caregiver, Magan Gutierrez (son in law Cisco Gutierrez), grandchildren Angela Davis of KCMO, Army Sgt. Casey DeBow of KCK, Air Force SSgt. Collin DeBow of Rapid City, SD, and Connor DeBow of KCMO. Becky was a brand-new great grandmother to one adorable infant girl, Alaia Renee Gamble, daughter of Angela Davis. She is also survived by her youngest brother Alan Crafton (wife Debbie) of Spring Hill, Sister-in Law Donna Crafton of KCK, cousin Karen Crafton of Sedalia, Mo, and her Uncle George Crafton and Aunt Phebe Crafton of Sedalia, Mo. Becky had many nieces and nephews, including (but not limited to) Michelle Huskey of KCK, Michael Riley of Basehor, and Dawn Fotovich of Tonganoxie. Becky left behind many friends and extended family.
Becky was born in KCK on December 2nd, 1956 to Harold Crafton and Bessie Cooper. She attended school in the area until her mid-teens. Becky dropped out of school to get married and have children. She worked at Champs Service Line in Edwardsville for many years and held positions at various other places including Balls grocery, Kmart, Osco Drug, Subway, and Arby’s. She left a lasting impression of laughter and pranks on all her former coworkers, many of whom turned into lifelong friends.Becky used to say she loved and accepted everybody because she only had love in her heart. For many years Becky’s home was always full, as it was the place to gather. There were too many wild parties to count and her favorite holiday was the 4th of July because she relished the excitement of blowing things up (in her own words).
Becky loved to travel, most recently going on a cruise to Jamaica, Cozumel, and the Cayman Islands. Most of her travel was sporadic travel with her late husband Robert Byrd. Together they visited Mt Rushmore, Las Vegas, and Orlando.
Becky loved to camp, had a heart made for adventure, and was a forgiving soul. Some of her best days were spent camping at the lake, surrounded by friends and family.Becky liked to grow roses and tomatoes. She enjoyed garage sale shopping, loved cats and dogs, and liked to go to the casino to play slots. She spent a lot of time bird watching and was pleased when baby rabbits or squirrels would also approach her feeders. She was enthusiastic about hummingbirds but had yet to lure any this season.
Becky was a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 almost 9 years ago and effectively beat the odds thanks to the care and compassion of KU Westwood Cancer Center. Becky had experienced several strokes during her life and most recently was diagnosed with terminal COPD due to smoking. The COPD made her a prisoner of her limitations which was exceedingly difficult for her to accept. She is free from the constraints of this world now.
Becky is preceded in death by her first-born child Kenneth Wheeler Jr, her daughter Angela Wheeler (Bruce), her parents Harold & Bessie Crafton, her brother Jim Crafton, her sister Judy Crafton and her husband Robert Byrd.
It was Becky’s decision to be cremated without any services. She left instructions as to how her ashes should be spread, which will be carried out at a future date. We suggest memorial contributions be made to Crossroads Hospice and may be sent in care of The Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri.
Cremation. No services are scheduled.
