Rebecca A. Scarff

A remarkable inspiration beyond comprehension, Rebecca Scarff was an example of love, quiet determination, strength, and faith. She will be remembered for these wonderful traits and so much more as her legacy continues in the hearts and lives of her children, and all who came to know and love her.

Frederick and Theodora Stewart of Hinsdale, Illinois, the birth of their daughter whom they lovingly named Rebecca Allyson on June 8, 1965 was a welcome addition to their lives and hearts.

The Stewart family made their home in the village of Hinsdale, a western suburb of Chicago until relocating to the Farmington area of Michigan. Rebecca grew up alongside her sister, Barbara, and enjoyed a typical childhood for the times. She kept close to her heart fond memories of her youth taking in family adventures with her parents and sister at the Drowsy Water Ranch in Colorado. She also enjoyed ice skating, horseback riding, and singing in her school choir.

Rebecca attended the local schools and excelled in her studies. From the time she was a young girl, she had compassion for others and always knew she wanted to pursue a profession of service to others. During high school, her chemistry teacher recommended Rebecca for an internship at Henry Ford Hospital which began her interest in the pharmaceutical field.

After graduating from North Farmington High School, Rebecca went on to attend Ferris State University in Big Rapids for the next two years. While at Ferris, she met her true friend and loving husband, Joseph Scarff. Before long, they both transferred to Ohio State University together, and in 1989 Rebecca earned her pharmaceutical degree while Joe received his degree in business.

With their educations complete, Rebecca and Joe not only concentrated on new career prospects, but also the anticipation of spending the rest of their lives together. On September 16, 1989, they sealed their love in marriage before a congregation of family and friends. They settled into the village of Richland, Michigan, northeast of Kalamazoo, where they would soon begin a family of their own.

Nothing brought Rebecca greater happiness than her family. With Joe by her side, she was a devoted wife and dedicated mother to their three children, Benton, Kyle Christine, and Drew. She made a good, loving home for her family all while pursuing her heart's desire of helping others. She worked as a pharmacist for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Battle Creek where over the years she made many good friends among the staff and patients.

However, life was not without its struggles for Rebecca and her family. The joy of bringing new life into the world was a joyous time for her as a mother at the age of 31, yet the news the following day was something she never could have imagined. Diagnosed with brain cancer the day after the birth of her third child, Rebecca did not allow her diagnosis to engulf her joy. For the next 16 years, she fought a long, hard battle against the disease, but it was through pure determination that she pressed on to see her children become the fine, young adults she knew they would be.

This life-changing path, although never easy, through her journey came to help form the lives of her beloved children. The years she was able to endure and continue on gave her even more determination and the opportunity to instill the same qualities, traits, and values she possessed, onto them. And for that, she was ever thankful and blessed.

Rebecca underwent numerous treatments, yet her perseverance shone bright. She even continued to work until her retirement earlier this fall. She reveled in all that life had to offer, and on more than one occasion, whether she felt like it or not. Her quiet strength and resolve was an example to many as she continued to live life. An avid Ohio State fan, she attended and watched their games right up until last week. She also loved watching her children's sports activities. She would never miss a sporting event that her children had. She followed Benton in football, basketball, and track, and Kyle's basketball games, cheerleading, and cross country meets. Drew was into football as well as basketball. She was fortunate to see Benton graduate from Kalamazoo Valley, Kyle attend Michigan State University, and Drew reach his sophomore year at Gull Lake High School. Rebecca was their biggest fan and was so proud of them.

The outdoors was Rebecca's fondest place to be where she enjoyed fishing, camping, sitting by the water, and mushroom hunting. Although she was not invited to attend the annual “boys” fishing trip, this time gave Rebecca the fun opportunity to bond with Kyle on their shopping trips and have “girl” adventures. As a family they shared happy times vacationing in Gulf Shores, Alabama and Goshen, Indiana and created memories to be forever treasured. One of Rebecca's greatest highlights this past summer was attending a Santana concert with her family.

Rebecca's legacy lives on in the hearts of Benton, Kyle Christine, and Drew. Her unwavering dedication to her family, strength of heart, and her quiet determination to persevere has been a profound inspiration. To those she leaves behind, her kind, strong, loving presence, and the life she lived in spite of her own trials, has been no less a gift.

At the age of 47, Rebecca Allyson Scarff died at home on Thursday, November 29, 2012. Her husband and helpmate, Joseph survives her along with their children, Benton, Kyle Christine and Drew Scarff, all of Richland; her parents, Frederick and Theodora Stewart of Florida; her sister, Dr. Barbara (William) Vuillemot of Lansing; mother-in-law, Sonya Scarff; brother-in-law, Dr. Matthew Scarff; sister-in-law, Sarah (Joe) Curry; and many nieces and nephews.

Visit with Rebecca's family and friends on Monday, December 3, 2012 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). A private family memorial service will be held following the gathering. Memorial donations in Rebecca's memory may be made to the Neuro Oncology Clinic at the University of Michigan. Please visit her memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory and photo, and sign her online memory book.