Rebecca Lyn Stephens

Rebecca “Becki” Stephens-Newby, 42, of Boise, passed away in Cascade, Idaho, from a tragic accident on Monday, August 21.  Celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, August 26, at 10:00 a.m. at the former New Heights Christian Fellowship, 9950 W. Ustick Road, Boise, Idaho, with a reception to follow. 
Becki was the firstborn of Bob and Clover Stephens.  She was eager to enter this world a month early to grace us with her presence on Sunday, October 27, 1974, at Community General Hospital in Syracuse, NY.  Bob, who was a season ticket holder to the Buffalo Bills, said she was the only reason he would miss a Bill's game.  In 1977, she cheerfully welcomed her brother, Brett.  Becki’s spirit and love of travel was instilled at a very young age (six months) when the family traveled from Syracuse to Athens, GA.  Becki developed a strong bond with her dad at a young age and waited patiently each day on the front steps for him to arrive home anxious for a ride in the “way back” of the Ford Pinto Wagon.  Becki’s first day of kindergarten was full of excitement when she fell asleep on the school bus and failed to get off at her bus stop; Dad had to chase down the school bus to find her.  In 1st grade Becki’s family moved to Watertown, NY, and was then within walking distance of school thus ending the school bus issue.  At age 7, she joined the 8 yr old & under YMCA swim team where she excelled and her team was undefeated.  Becki completed junior high in Watertown after which the family relocated to Camillus, NY (suburb of Syracuse) where she completed her high school education at West Genesee High School with a New York State Regence diploma.  During her sophomore and junior years of high school she volunteered as a “candy striper” at the hospital where she was born.  During this time, she realized her passion in caring for others and made the decision to pursue her college education in Occupational Therapy.  After researching many colleges, she made the decision to attend Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA, where in 1986 she obtained a BS in Occupational Therapy.  During her sophomore year of college her family relocated to Boise, ID, and upon graduation she relocated “temporarily”  to complete her OT externship.  It was during this time she fell in love with Idaho and began her career as an Occupational Therapist at Intermountain Hospital in Boise. 
In 2004 she met the love of her life, David Newby, at a chance encounter.  They immediately connected and thus began a life full of adventure and amazing memories (traveling, socializing and living life to the fullest).  She was such a wonderful addition to the Newby and Allen families.  She was especially supportive of her nephew, Michael, and niece, Sarah, attending their many school and sporting activities and helped in organizing many memorable family events.  David and Becki married in 2011 and were blessed with their first son, Grant, later that year.  In 2014 their son, Reed, was born. 
Becki began her career at Saint Alphonsus Hospital in 2005 as an Occupational Therapist until her passing.  She mentored numerous Occupational Therapy students over the years, including one from her alma mater, Elizabethtown College.  Becki was currently serving on the Hospital Art Exhibit Selection Committee Board and the Art for Rehab Memorial Project, in memory of dear friend and fellow Occupational Therapist, Jim Plumtree.   She was not only an Occupational Therapist, she lived it in her everyday life.  Becki was active with the Idaho Occupational Therapy Association, holding several Executive Board positions over the years always advocating for Occupational Therapy.  Becki recently came upon a confused man at work.  He didn't seem to be a patient, and no one around knew him. He wasn't able to speak clearly, was very hard of hearing, and appeared somewhat disoriented.  Becki knew she needed to help.  Through sign language and writing, Becki was able to obtain a family member's phone number from the man.  She was able to reunite the man with his family and learned that he was born with cerebral palsy.
After Becki’s brother, Brett was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) in 2012, she became a vigorous advocate to help fundraise to find a cure.  Immediately she put together a team named “Stephens Steppers” to participate in the annual Walk MS, which occurs every April.  The Team has increased in numbers every year since. 
Becki was an amazing young woman; a devoted wife, loving mother, exceptional daughter, beloved sister, amazing sister-in-law, supportive aunt, niece and true friend to so many.  She is survived by her loving husband, David; sons, Grant (5) and Reed (3); parents, Bob, and Clover Stephens; brother, Brett (Dani), sister-in-law, Kelly (Chris) and several nieces and nephews.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, in Becki’s memory, attention Team Stephens Steppers, a cause she held close to her heart.  Memorials and condolences may be shared with the family at Cloverdalefuneralhome.com.