Rebecca Ann Hays “Becka,” 37, of Dewey, Oklahoma passed away on October 24, 2021 surrounded by love, laughter, and family.
Becka was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Friday the 13th of July, 1984. She graduated from Santa Fe High School in 2001. As a student she was active in Drama and Debate, and loved being a member of the Golf Team.
After high school Becka embarked on a career in the restaurant and catering business. She was a “foodie” at heart, always refining her culinary and entertaining skills. She managed a busy restaurant in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and on more than one occasion served several celebrities. She also catered many events at Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, where she painstakingly saw to every last detail. This was Becka’s element. She loved taking care of people and creating beautiful food and experiences.
In 2010 she married Philip Hays, III of Bartlesville, and in 2012 gave birth to their son Philip, IV “Pip.” Motherhood brought out the best in her. She was always singing with Pip in the car, cooking him something delicious (like bacon topped with honey) and planning his outfits for special occasions. Pip inherited his mother’s love of music, her sharp wit and her beautiful blue eyes.
Becka was known for her strong will, impeccable palate and over-the-top accessories. She loved the holidays, especially Christmas, and would spend hours on the decorations and tablescape. You could count on Becka to be festive, always wearing something that blinked or jingled. On Thanksgiving, she would usually request her own personal gravy boat. If there was anything she loved more than eating, it was preparing meals for her family and friends. Whether it was cupcakes for her sister’s baby shower or the gift of a delicious dinner with a signature cocktail, she made everything with love and attention to detail.
Becka also enjoyed science fiction and fantasy. You could often catch her at Trek Conventions or watching episodes of Game of Thrones or Doctor Who. She had a very curious mind and somewhat of an ornery streak. She regularly played practical jokes on coworkers and friends. She would send anonymous “gifts” through the mail or startle her sisters on Halloween. Becka knew how to have fun.
Becka is preceded in death by grandparents Doyle Webb, Sr, of Edmond, Oklahoma, Catherine Turner of Guthrie, Oklahoma, Rebecca Jones of Oklahoma City and Philip Hayes, Jr. of Bartlesville.
She is survived by her husband and son; parents, Doyle and Jan Webb of Guthrie and Marla Peek of Guthrie; siblings, Michael Merritt (Kristen) of Guthrie, Katie Young (Jerred) of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Kelley Bettis (Jeff) of Edmond; nieces, Cora and Hanna Bettis; and nephews, Jadyn, Nolan, and Jaxon Young; her mother-in-law, Emily Hays and sister-in-law Michelle Hays, both of Bartlesville; grandparents, Ann Webb of Guthrie and Fred and O’Maira Jones of Edmond; and numerous devoted, if not slightly smothering, aunts, along with many cousins and friends.
Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st St., Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044.
There will not be any visitation.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in her name to the charity of your choice.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.smithgallo.com.