Obituaries
Rebecca Smith
Rebecca “Becky” Jean Barker Smith was born to Joseph and Gladys Barker on February 4, 1951, in Sheridan, Wyoming. Becky attended Holy Name Catholic School, graduated from Sheridan High School in 1969, and received a nursing degree from Casper College in 1972. She was a caretaker all of her life. She flourished in her career at Sheridan Memorial Hospital for 42 years as a Nursery and Labor and Delivery Nurse. If you were born in Sheridan in the early 80s-2000, there is a great possibility she gave you your first bath, changed your diaper, and was your first contact with the outside world. Becky married Charles “Ed” Smith in 1975, and they later divorced, but from this union, they had two daughters, Melissa and Kelli. After their divorce, she met Francisco Pena “Pancho” Martinez. They have enjoyed the last 26 years together, going on drives and visiting their grandchildren.
Becky passed away on April 30, 2023, at the Billings Clinic surrounded by her family. She is survived by her daughters Melissa (David) Cox of Sheridan, Kelli (Chris) Stoddard of Stockton, New Jersey, Roxie Smith (Pat) of Alliance, Nebraska, stepdaughter Elena (Dakota) VanDerVliet of Deadwood, South Dakota, stepson Paco Pena Martinez of South Dakota, and her partner Pancho Martinez of Parkman. The family only found out about Roxie a short time ago, but she fits right in with the rest of the clan. She is survived by her sister, Keta (Red) Smith of Dayton, brother, Daniel (Donna) Barker of Sheridan, sister-in-law, JoAnn Barker of Sheridan, grandchildren; Anna, Amelia, Gabrielle, Aurora, Kiera, Ben, Ella, Emma, Madi and Bailey and three great-grandchildren. As well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband, and her brother, Mike Barker.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, May 6, at the Kalif Shrine in Sheridan, Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Reproductive Healthcare of the Big Horns, 128 S Thurmond, Sheridan, WY, 82801…Becky always said, “In today’s day and age, there is no excuse for an unwanted pregnancy.” Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.
sandra Benth
May 2, 2023 at 7:22 pm
remember her well-always smiling and full of joy> Rest Becky in peace!
Mary Lee Egnaczak
May 3, 2023 at 5:00 am
Becky was such a delightful person to know. She will be remembered for her cheerful spirit.
Elena Barber
May 3, 2023 at 9:39 am
First to help,last to complain God speed rest in peace.
Timothy J. Scott, MD
May 3, 2023 at 3:01 pm
A terrific Labor and Delivery nurse and a leader in the nursery. She made new parents feel more comfortable with their new accomplishment and accompanying burden. A pleasure to work with for many years. My best to her family.
marcyes schmaus
May 3, 2023 at 3:46 pm
Becky was a wonderful caring person and an amazing nurse. Her two beautiful daughters were her pride and joy. Thinking of you at this difficult time of loss of your mom and praying for God’s comfort to surround you.
Marvin Goldman
May 4, 2023 at 12:24 pm
I was the administrator at SMH during the 90’s. Becky was truly one of our most valuable employees, not only because of her nursing skills but also because she was such a pleasure to be around. She always had a smile that could light up a room. The world needs more Becky Smiths.
Kristen (Etchechoury) Burns
May 4, 2023 at 1:22 pm
Becky was a mentor, colleague and friend for most of the 19 yrs I worked at SMH. She was there for the births of my babies and there was always a sense of comfort knowing she was there when/if things got risky. The lessons I learned from Becky as a young nurse were truly invaluable. Rest peacefully, Friend….
Mary Jelly
May 6, 2023 at 10:01 am
Becky will be missed. Loved her sweet smile and her laugh made everyone around her happy. Condolences to the family. Dave and Mary Jelly.
Mike fordyce
May 6, 2023 at 4:48 pm
Rest In Peace my dear friend may god be with you
Julia A Gerlach
May 6, 2023 at 8:40 pm
Becky was a wonderful in so many ways. A 5 star nurse and one of those people that immediately warmed your heart. I was blessed to know her my entire life. My sincerest sympathy to you all.
Julie Harrison
May 8, 2023 at 2:52 pm
Becky was my first and only daughter’s nurse when she was born. I don’t know what I would have done without her! I just found a picture this weekend of Becky holding my daughter, I will always remember her.
Darlene Hruska
May 8, 2023 at 3:28 pm
I worked at Sheridan Memorial as a medical technologist while Becky was working there. She had wonderful nursing skills,knew her craft, and watched over the nursery like a hawk, protecting those babies. She interacted well with all her fellow co-workers. RIP Becky. My condolences to her family.