Rebecca Sue Rodden

Becca Rodden, 74, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 13, 2024, following a valiant fight with Parkinsons. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, along with the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through this lengthy illness.

Rebecca Sue “Becca” Eastland was born on Friday, January 20, 1950, in Stamford, TX to parents Rae and Hazel (Norman) Eastland. She was the baby girl that completed the Eastland Family and welcomed by older brothers, Bill and Mike. At the young age of 4, Becca began attending the Texas Cowboy Reunion in Stamford, TX with her father, an event she looked forward to attending annually until her health declined. In 1987, Becca received the ultimate honor, when her lifelong dream came true, and she was named the official hostess of the T.C.R.

Becca’s formative years were spent in Stamford, TX. After graduating from Stamford High School, she continued her education at West Texas State University in Canyon, TX. Becca taught in the Stamford, San Angelo and Kaufman surrounding area school districts prior to retiring with 38 years of service. 

Becca met Mr. Tommy Rodden in San Angelo, TX where they later were married on June 20, 1998. Becca relocated to Kaufman, TX where she and Tommy established their home and made lasting friendships. 

 Possessing a true love for music Becca played the piano and organ at the First Baptist Church in Stamford, Knox City and San Angelo for several years. As a woman of faith, she was currently a member of the First Baptist Church in Kaufman, TX. Becca loved spending time being “Grams”, visiting with her family, and friends, and caring for her fur babies Star and Toffee. Leisure time with her husband, Tommy was often spent at a rodeo/bull riding, watching the Dallas Cowboys football games, golfing, or country and western dancing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rae and Hazel Eastland, brother and sister-in-law, Bill & Billie Nell Eastland, son, Tommy Joe Rodden, aunt, Lois Norman Berry, uncle and aunt, Weldon and Ruby Faye Norman.

Becca’s memories will be cherished by her husband, Tommy Rodden of Kaufman; TX; and her loving children: Jaclyn Tankersley Kercher and son-in- law, Gary of Weatherford, TX; Eric Tankersley and daughter-in-law, Courtney of Frisco, TX; Shannon Rodden and daughter-in-law, Jennifer of Heath, TX; brother Mike Eastland and sister-in-law, Vicki of Arlington, TX; 10 grandchildren: Jackson, Jaren, Jadyn, Courtney Rae, Austin, Baylor, Tristin, Torey, Tess and Tatum; 2 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will be receiving visitors at the Parker-Ashworth Funeral Home, 2217 S. Washington St., Kaufman, TX on Friday, July 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Becca’s life will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, 2000 W. Fair St., Kaufman, TX with Pastor Bobby Rich officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Woodside Cemetery, 449 FM Rd 17, Grand Saline, TX. 

Becca will be missed by many. Those who would like to honor her with a memorial contribution are asked to contribute to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or your favorite charity.