Rebecca Ann Rayburn-Cooper passed away on August 1, 2026, at the age of 76, surrounded by the love and memories of her family. She lived a life filled with creativity, curiosity, adventure, and compassion, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Rebecca was born on March 24, 1950, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Roland Merle Rayburn and Enid Sorina Slauson Rayburn. She was raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, where her artistic talents began to flourish. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska while working part-time in the university's Art Department, further nurturing her lifelong passion for the arts.

Rebecca married Jack Otto, and together they welcomed two daughters, Andria and Janelle. Although the marriage ended in divorce, Rebecca embraced the challenges of single motherhood with remarkable strength and determination. She worked diligently in administrative and secretarial positions through a variety of organizations, often enjoying the flexibility and variety that came with temporary employment.

Throughout her life, Rebecca's greatest passion was creating art. She especially loved painting fishermen proudly displaying their catches. While living in New York City, she captured the beauty of her neighborhood and many of the city's iconic landmarks on canvas. Her artistic interests also included portraiture and landscapes from other parts of the world, reflecting her love of travel and different cultures.

Her creativity extended far beyond painting. Rebecca was an accomplished seamstress, knitter, and crocheter who delighted in making purses and clothing for her daughters. She was also an avid gardener with an extraordinary knowledge of plants and could seemingly identify almost anything growing around her. Whether working in the garden, listening to music from nearly every genre, or enjoying the companionship of her beloved cats, Rebecca found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor brought smiles to family and friends alike.

Rebecca's adventurous spirit led her to live and work in many places. During her career, she worked at the United Nations in New York City, St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas, and the University of Texas at Austin. Her love of travel and learning drew her to Mexico often, and she later made her home in Costa Rica for several years, where she immersed herself in the local culture and language.

In 1992, Rebecca married Richard Cooper. Although their marriage eventually ended, they remained close and cherished friends until Richard's passing in 2015.

Rebecca was a woman of remarkable kindness and acceptance. She welcomed people from every background, embracing others regardless of race, religion, culture, or sexual orientation. Long before such acceptance became commonplace, she believed deeply in the dignity and worth of every individual.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, Roland Merle Rayburn and Enid Slauson Rayburn, and by her dear friend and former husband, Richard Cooper.

She is lovingly remembered by her brother, Jerry W. Rayburn (Brenda); her daughters, Andria E. Cheever (Bobby) and Janelle N. McPike (Brian); her grandchildren, Jenessa Pflugrad, Kara Weeden, John Weeden Jr., Jesica Coon (Danny), and Esther Cheever-Santos (Luiz); her great-grandchildren, Talen Lattin and Isabella Santos; and with joyful anticipation of another great-grandson expected in January.

Rebecca is already deeply missed by her family and all whose lives she touched. Her artistic spirit, adventurous heart, unwavering acceptance of others, and generous love will continue to inspire those who knew her.

In accordance with Rebecca's Hindu faith and beliefs, her family will honor her wishes by placing her ashes in a river, returning her to the natural world she so deeply loved.

The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.