Rebecca Ruth Harbaugh, 17 May 1950 - 20 Oct 2017

HARBAUGH, COOK, PAUL

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 10/30/2018 at 14:59:04

Services for Rebecca Ruth Harbaugh, 67, Orlando, Florida, formerly of Victor, were Tuesday, Oct. 31, at Blessed Trinity Church, Orlando.

Mrs. Harbaugh peacefully passed away Friday, Oct. 20, after her long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Rebecca Cook was born May 17, 1950, in Mapleton to John Paul (JP) and Ruth Cook. After graduating with honors from Mapleton High School, Rebecca attended the University of Northern Iowa as an English literature major, where she met her future husband Stephen Harbaugh. They married on March 12, 1971.

The couple moved to Winfield, where Stephen taught music for several years, and their son Matthew Harbaugh was born on Dec. 8, 1971. The family then moved to Victor in 1974, where together Rebecca and Stephen served their community – he as band director for 30 years and Rebecca as the local librarian from 1979 to 1992.

Rebecca took great pride in having helped to establish the opening of the new Victor Public Library in 1989. Like her mother Ruth, she was very well read. Rebecca spoke three languages and had a fine mind for great detail. She was noted for making personalized reading recommendations to her library patrons, which helped to grow the small town library.

Becky was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1983, suffering a severe episode in 2001 which brought her to reside with care at the Williamsburg Nursing Home for two years, then relocating to the Conway Lakes Nursing Home in Orlando, Florida, with nurturing care for the past 13 years.

Becky fought a tough and debilitating disease, all the while with grace and dignity, and with Stephen by her side every providing his care and cookies.

She is survived by her husband Stephen Harbaugh, son Matthew Harbaugh, parents Ruth and John Paul, and sisters Jody and Barbara, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Transcribed from the November 1, 2017 Journal Tribune