Beckie Gail Rawlings

After a brave and inspirational struggle with cancer since 1987, Beckie Gail Rawlings fought her last battle on July 11, 2012. Beckie gained her wings shortly past noon in Pittsfield, Mass., with her family at her bedside; she was 58. Born on May 18, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas, Beckie later moved with her family to Albuquerque, N.M., where she attended Sandia High School while performing in the Continental Choir. Beckie would later study interior design and fashion merchandising at Bauder Fashion College. Post graduation she further pursued her creative talents as an interior decorator with American Furniture in Albuquerque; while later she exceeded her career successes as a carpet and textile sales representative for both Milliken and Shaw Industries. For those who knew her, there is little left to be said for a life that was absolutely lived to the fullest. Beckie dedicated her time as a loving wife and nurturing mother. She was a regular (and outspoken) presence at her sons' soccer and sporting events; remained in frequent touch with her extended family and friends; and spent her free time traveling, singing, shopping, antiquing, rug hooking, scuba diving, fly-fishing, and boating. Beckie was in every way, the definition of a loving, insatiable and resolute spirit. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother of four. Beckie is survived by her husband, Stephen Rawlings (Lt. Col Ret); her sons, Lance and Wesley Rawlings; their wives, Jennifer and Katie; her beautiful granddaughters, Breanna, Savannah, Keenan and Camille; sisters, Vickie Pyland and Kellie Tolson; brothers, Bernie and Norman Ely; and Aunt and Uncle Bobby and Sid Foil. At her family's request, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. The Celebration of Beckie's life will take place at Wildwood Park on Aug. 4, at 11 a.m. in Little Rock, Ark.