Woodworth, who served as the emcee for former Congressman Ken Gray’s celebration service in July, unhesitatingly spoke of Becky in the same breath as the late congressman who brought Interstate 57 and Rend Lake to Southern Illinois.

“I’ve lost two great friends this year -- Kenny Gray was one of them and Becky is now another, and in my opinion both of them gave some of the greatest contributions that Southern Illinois ever had, but obviously in different ways,” Woodworth said.

Touching many lives

Jimmy Dean, administrative assistant to Williamson County state's attorney, said Becky had the unique ability to "put people at ease."

“This will not only be a loss to the journalism world, but to all of Southern Illinois,” Dean said. “She’s touched a lot of people. I don’t think a lot of people realize the lives she’s touched with her writing and the people that knew her. She was just a great all-around lady.”

A Southern Illinois treasure

Charles Cockrum, West City mayor, said her blend of journalistic and people skills made her a Southern Illinois treasure.