Remembering Becky Graves

Remembering Becky Graves

The Mission Builders community morns the loss of Becky Graves. Please see the following obituary.


OBITUARY NOTICE - REBECCA GRAVES

Rebecca Leigh (Buntemeyer) Graves, age 68, of Port St. Joe, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Born March 9, 1957, in Broken Bow, Nebraska, Becky was the middle of three children to Herbert and Mildred (Fintel) Buntemeyer.  Becky was the firstborn of twins, along with her brother Mitch, following eldest brother, Steve. She was active in school as a majorette and a star track athlete. After high school graduation, Becky went on to earn her education degree at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she became a member of Alpha Phi sorority, making lifelong friends.

Becky began her teaching career in North Platte, Nebraska, and shortly after moving there for a new teaching position, she met her future husband, Bill Graves, at a gathering of mutual friends. They were married soon after and embarked on a life of love, partnership, and adventure in 1981. The couple moved to Garden City, Kansas, where Becky continued her career as an elementary school teacher while Bill continued his career with Eli Lilly and Company. Their journey together soon included a move to Indianapolis, where their first daughter, Brittany, was born, followed quickly by their second daughter, Ashley. Becky was an avid supporter of her daughters, being a chaperone and volunteer at every school event, competition, and performance her children participated in. The family made new homes in Omaha and St. Louis, and eventually Eli Lilly returned them to Indiana. They created lasting memories in each place, including boating, extensive domestic and international travel, and church life. 

Becky’s Christian faith was a constant in her life. Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church, she was a dedicated member and leader in several congregations, most notably Servants of Christ Lutheran Church in Indianapolis. There, she helped build the new church, establish the church’s preschool program, and was a regular volunteer for Vacation Bible School and other children’s ministries. Becky and Bill’s spirit of Christian service led both of them to take early retirement to join Mission Builders. The organization used volunteers and paid RV-ers to construct churches and church camps across the U.S. Becky and Bill labored onsite, helping to physically build 18 structures in 10 states. The part of the process Becky excelled at most was helping church members to build and foster a sense of community and faith. Once a teacher, always a teacher.

Becky’s life was further enriched in retirement with time on the beach: shelling, deep-sea fishing and visiting many of Florida’s parks. Becky and Bill also enjoyed RVing across the U.S. and Canada. 

Becky and Bill were thankful to be blessed with two cherished grandchildren, Alexander and Mackenzie. Summers with “Oma Becky” and “Grandpa” were joyfully spent at Camp Oma in Florida, a treasured tradition for her grandchildren. 

Becky is preceded in death by her parents and in-laws. She is survived by her beloved husband Bill of Port St. Joe, Florida, daughters Brittany (Logan) Mann of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Ashley (Neil) Bedwell of Carmel, Indiana, and grandchildren Alexander and Mackenzie Mann. Additionally, she will be remembered by twin brother, Mitch (Melody) Buntemeyer, older brother, Steve (Judy) Buntemeyer, and their respective families, as well as many extended family members and dear friends.

Becky did not desire a funeral or memorial service. She asked, however, that the people who loved her consider continuing the fight against ovarian cancer. The family will be contributing to the Foundation for Women’s Cancer, 26533 Network Place, Chicago, Ill. 60673 (Society of Gynecological Oncology). Should you have an interest in sending a donation to commemorate Becky and join the fight, please note “Becky Graves Memorial” on the memo line of your check, and send to the address above or another ovarian cancer research organization of your choice.

Our family thanks everyone for the outpouring of kindness, and all communications, support, and prayers during Becky’s illness and after death.
If you would like to take a few moments to reflect upon Becky's life, please click on the following blue slideshow link: Rebecca Graves Slideshow