Rebecca Ann (Van Rheenen) Pickens, daughter of John and Mary Irene (De Cook) Van Rheenen, was born October 11, 1957 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Rebecca passed away March 27, 2009 at her home in Bakersfield, California at the age of fifty-one due to Leukemia.

Rebecca grew up in Pella. She professed her faith in God at a young age. She attended Pella High School and graduated with the class of 1976. She graduated from CAL State University in 1980.

On June 20, 1981 Rebecca was united in marriage with Gary Pickens from Bakersfield, California. To this union a daughter was born, Stephanie Michelle.

Rebecca (Becky) worked at the Center for Neurological Skills and Kern Regional Center for twenty-seven years. She was involved in many fundraisers helping those in need. She enjoyed crafts, spending time with her family and many friends, and taking care of her grandson. She will be remembered for her giving, caring personality and always putting others first.

Those left to cherish her memory are: her husband, Gary Pickens of Bakersfield, California; her daughter, Stephanie of Bakersfield, California; her grandson, Adrian; her brothers, Irvin (Ethel) Van Rheenen and Henry (Donna) Van Rheenen; her sister, Mary (Duane) Van Maanen all of Pella, Iowa; her mother-in-law, Norma Pickens Ridgecrest, California; her brother-in-law, Joseph Pickens of Bakersfield, California and sister-in-law, Delores Pickens of Ridgecrest, California as well as several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Irene Van Rheenen; her brother, Peter Irvin Van Rheenen; her father-in-law, Joseph Pickens Sr.; and her brother-in-law, Gene Van Wyk.

FUNERAL SERVICES

2:00 P.M., Friday, April 3, 2009
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

VISITATION

After 9:00 A.M., Friday, April 3, 2009
Family will be present 1:00 - 2:00 P.M.
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

MEMORIALS

To the family in Rebecca's Memory

---