Rebecca Jean Diederich
Rebecca "Becky" Jean (Bentley) Diederich, the light of so many lives, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2021 surrounded by her beloved "peeps".
Becky was born on May 31, 1967 in Lansing to Dennis and Roxanna (Wright) Bentley. She always knew that her calling was to be an amazing mom; first to her two children and then as a caregiver for many children in the neighborhood through her home daycare. Later, Becky, her husband Darrin, and Darrin's family founded Diederich's Produce Market north of Webberville.
Becky lived each day as a blessing. She loved meeting people and helping them, and she had a gift for seeking out, befriending, and lifting up others. She created special bonds with so many, and built close, unique relationships with everyone she met. Becky was an amazing youthful spark that could light up anyone's day. She never let anyone forget about how special they were or how beautiful. She lived to love those around her.
If you had visited her at her old farmhouse, you would have been met at the door with the smell of home cooking, a hug, and a smile that made you feel like you were the most important person on earth. You most likely would have received a comment on how beautiful you were or how happy she was to see you. And when it came time for you to leave, she made sure you left with a tight hug, tears of laughter on your cheeks, bellies full of home cooked food and even a little to take home.
Becky was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Roxanna, her mother-in-law, Sharon Diederich; and her brother-in-law, Rodney Diederich.
Her brilliant and vibrant memory lives on in the hearts of her husband of 34 years, Darrin Diederich; her children, Jaymie (Alexander) and Dylan (fiancée Mary); her grandchildren, Oliver, Braxton, and Rowena; her father-in-law, Raymond (Denise) Diederich; her brothers, Dennis (Laurie) Bentley Jr. and Donald (Diana) Bentley; her siblings-in-law, R. Scott (Shelley) Diederich, Julie (Bob Ratliff) Hartwell, Matthew (Emily) Diederich; and her nieces and nephews, Jaycie, Sabrina, Zachary, Jina, Jorja, Shay, William, Caroline, and Danielle. She was also a two-time Godmother.
She held all her children, nieces and nephews, and grandbabies so close to her heart, she herself was an energetic child so full of life despite how much life her body had fought to hold onto over her lifetime.
Becky was a two-time kidney transplant recipient, and she used her experiences with transplants to encourage others facing similar obstacles in their lives. She had her first kidney transplant successfully at the age of 20 as a newlywed. For the next 19 years, she was blessed with two healthy children; children she had been told she could never have. They were her world and she made sure that in this second chance at life, she would cherish every moment she had with her babies.
Her body went into renal failure for the second time and this time, God had brought a generous soul into her life to be a kidney donor, giving her a third chance at life and the ability to one day see both her children graduate. Not only did she accomplish that, but she was able to be alive during the birth of her grandchildren; grandchildren she only hoped and prayed she would live long enough to meet.
Becky could not have been more grateful for her time on earth and she never failed in telling her story and the lesson behind it—to not take those you love for granted to those who would listen. She was an amazing human being and a beacon of pure love, joy, and comfort. If you had ever once been in her presence, you knew you had been in the presence of an angel on earth.
A Celebration of Becky's Life will be held on October 23rd from 2 to 6pm at the place she loved the most—her faded farmhouse.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.
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