Rebecca S. Slotten

MADISON - One of her Mothers favorite stories is: Once upon a time in the small town of Keota, Iowa, a 6 year old brother and 5 year old sister were walking down the sidewalk in the front of their house, when this large dog comes bounding down the street. The brother steps in front to protect his sister from the dog who just keeps on bounding down the street. He wasnt going to let anything happen to his little sister. Today, that brother couldnt do anything to stop cancer from taking her away. Rebecca Susan Bekki (Rains) Slotten passed away at St. Marys Hospital in Madison, on Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 with her daughter, Hannah, at her side. Hannahs post, "The light has gone out of my life," is a perfect summary of the past few days. Bekki was born on Oct. 13, 1951, to Edward and Virginia Rains. The family lived in Keota, Iowa until she was in 5th grade when they moved to Marion, Iowa. The family lived there a couple of years and then moved to Fort Atkinson, Wis., where she graduated from the Fort Atkinson High School in 1969. She lived for a short time in Milwaukee, working at the childrens hospital. In 1980, Bekki moved to Madison, where she got a job at St. Marys Hospital, and met Philip Slotten. They were wed on July 13, 1983. They had a daughter, Hannah Marisa Slotten, in 1992. In February 1996, Bekki divorced Phil. After the divorce, Bekki and Hannah moved into one of the many duplex homes in Madison. They lived on one side with Bekkis mom, Virginia, on the other. Grandma would take Hannah to and from school and other activities, and they would share the evening meals together. One of Bekkis passions was Disney, especially Tinker Bell. At Christmas, the tree was all Disney, even a second tree. Her home was the second happiest place on earth. At Christmas, Bekki would give boxes of cookies to friends, family, co-workers, teachers and their friends and family. Bekki would take a week off in late November and make cookies from dawn to dusk. For 31 years, Bekki would bake thousands of cookies, in more than 60 varieties filling boxes of all sizes especially for sharing at work. When are the cookies coming? was a familiar phrase at the Wisconsin Department of Justice where her brother worked, as well as at AT&T, various departments at St. Marys Hospital, her daughters schools and even her nieces schools in Illinois. All got large boxes of cookies. Not only did Bekki do Christmas cookies; she also did cookies for every other holiday of the year. Her turkey cookie sculptures made from graham crackers, crme drops, candy corn, and pin wheel cookies were too cute to eat and may still adorn some workers cubicles. So many places and people were recipients of her generosity, you may have been one of them. Bekki is survived by her daughter, Hannah; her brother, Matthew Rains and his wife Jane Rains; sister, Debra Rainell Rains and her husband Christopher Leisner; cats, Sebastian and Cinnamon; Uncle Richard (Mary) McCall, Aunt Jean Czerwinski, Aunt Connie Rains; many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her work family and dear friends JoAnne, Judy and Beth, with whom she had many adventures and fun times. Bekki always said her life was her family and her work. She continued to work as long as she was able and felt she was letting everyone down when she finally had to stop. Bekki had a goal to live until her daughter completed this school semester. She wanted simply to be cremated with no fuss, no tears. We are planning a celebration of her life the week after Christmas with details to follow. Send an email to Matt at rightasrains@yahoo.com for more information. Finally, Goodbye Bekki and remember "second star to the right, and straight on till morning. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com