Rebecca “Becca” Lee Russell, 40, of Greenwood, Arkansas left this earth on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 in Fort Smith. She was born May 6, 1979 in Abilene, Texas to John T. and Peggy Gerhardt. Becca was known for her fierce love of animals of all kind, and even a few people. From vibrant house mother to all of Greenwood, to passionate committee member and sponsor for Grateful Heads in Fort Smith, and all other roles in the story of her life, Becca was and always will be unapologetically Becca.
She is survived by her soulmate, husband, James Russell of Greenwood; her heart, son, Aniken Lewis, daughter, Trinity Lewis and son, Guy Russell of Greenwood; mother, Peggy Gerhardt of Greenwood; brother, John “JB” Gerhardt of Las Vegas, NV, sister, Mary Oliver of Greenwood, brother, Matthew Gerhardt of Kodaikanal, India, sister, Miki Gravely of San Antonio, TX; two brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, eight nephews, five nieces, two great nieces, one great nephew and a large extended family; longtime friends, Lorra Taylor and Shawn and Michelle Beshears and countless other dear friends; her beloved dogs, Sister, Grace, Rabbit and Lucy and cat, Trouble. She was preceded in death by her father, John T. Gerhardt on March 22, 2019 and honorary daughter, Jaybrianna Avington on June 9, 2019, as well as numerous dogs, cats, possums, raccoons, fish, snakes, hamsters and one armadillo, 1979-2019.
A family led memorial service will be 2 p.m., Saturday, August 24, 2019 at First Free Will Baptist Church, 504 South Fowler Street, Greenwood, AR. A pot luck reception will follow at the same address. Cremation was under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Becca’s name to Kitties & Kanines at www.kittiesandkanines.com or at 479-430-4740. Move over, Noah.
