Rebecca (Becky) Dawn Bowdoin (64) of Axtell passed away in the comfort of her home on Saturday July 2, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, July 19, at 6 pm at Grace Gospel Church, 4385 East Old Axtell Road, Axtell, Texas.
Becky was born to John Edward (Buck) Cooper and Patti Ruth (Shelton) Cooper on April 17, 1958, in Waco, Texas.
She was joined with her best friend and soulmate Larry Dean Bowdoin on March 5, 1979. They made their home in Axtell for the last 40 years. Together they owned and operated Bowdoin Trucking. Her passion for antiques and collectibles led her to open Rusty Dusty Collectibles in Elm Mott.
Becky blessed all those she came into contact with - often providing a hearty meal, a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand, an ear without judgement, or a basket of baked goods or homemade candy.
She was a master of many arts and skills, but was best known for her cake decorating, sewing, painting, gift wrapping, gardening, canning, and candy making. She also had a deep passion for animals, often rescuing an orphaned bunny, a three-legged dog or cat, or any unwanted or abandoned animal.
Becky loved the Christmas season - and what a season it was with her. Many times, it started with ''Christmas in July'', where she camped out in front of the television for a 48-hour QVC marathon and purchased many of the gifts for those she loved. The month of December was always filled with homemade eggnog and chocolate covered cherries, Granny's teacakes, and the aroma of various cakes and pies baking. She was always excited to put up the Christmas decorations - yard ornaments she and Larry made, hand crafted and hand painted Christmas tree ornaments, and stockings she made for the family. Special memories were made watching Rudolph, Frosty, and the Grinch with the grandchildren. She spent hours wrapping gifts, always providing a ''little extra'' with a special ornament or hand made bow attached. Everyone anticipated receiving their Christmas sack on Christmas Eve-always filled with the many homemade candies she spent weeks in advance preparing - a tradition she cherished and carried on from her grandmother.
Becky is survived by her husband Larry of Axtell, daughter Christi Manning and husband Jason, mother Patti Cooper, sister Angel Petru, grandchildren Jordan Bowdoin and wife Candice, Jesse Manning, Justin Manning, Jayce Manning, and Jackson Manning, great grandchildren Kristen, Lyla, and Andria, her fur-baby Bear and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she considered family.
Becky spread love wherever she went. Her passing has left a pain and emptiness that will forever be felt. The family would like to express a special thanks to Bluebonnet Hospice and to all those who visited and helped to care for her in her last days. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to a local animal shelter or bless a family that is in need.