Rebecca D. Wrigley

Rebecca “Becky” Deahl Wrigley, 77, passed away peacefully at home, under hospice care and with husband Ben by her side, on Thursday, August 17, 2023. 

“Yes, You Can!” Becky’s mantra applied to herself, her family, and others. It was evident, whether helping her sons with schoolwork, serving on one of many community organizations, or preparing for the next golf shot, she was dedicated to home and community and excelled in her service to all. 

Becky was born in Peoria, Illinois on May 7, 1946, and graduated from Peoria Central High School, with honors, where she was a cellist in the orchestra and member of the field hockey team.  She attended the University of Iowa where she loved cheering on the Hawkeyes, performed as a bagpiper with the Scottish Highlanders, and joined Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She served as Vice President of her Chapter and continued to serve in the Grand Rapids Alumni Chapter. Becky graduated in 1968 with a BA degree in Education, following in the path of her mother. 

Upon graduation, Becky married another Peorian, the love of her life, Ben Wrigley. She taught 4th grade in Elmhurst, Illinois while Ben graduated Northwestern School of Law. Shortly thereafter, in 1970, they settled into their lifelong community of Grand Rapids, Michigan where they raised their family, had many friends and she offered decades of service to numerous community organizations.  Becky served on the Foundation Board, was a Life member of the Guild and volunteered for the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. She was President and long-time member of Womens City Golf Association. Becky was President of Junior League of Grand Rapids, as well as the Ronald Yaw Guild of Blodgett Hospital.  In addition, she was President and served on many committees with the various PTA’s of East Grand Rapids schools. Becky and Ben served as Chairs of the GVSU Public Television Auction. There have been many other organizations and committees where Becky gave her time and talents.

While she stayed busy with golf, hobbies, and various endeavors including Something Special Gifts, Etc., Becky was most passionate about her family as an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother, and her friends. She will be missed greatly by so many. She fought with grit and grace as she faced breast cancer, as well as recurring prior medical issues. She is survived by husband of 55 years, Benham (Ben) Robert Wrigley, Jr.; Sons Benham (Ben) Robert Wrigley III (Amanda) and William (Will) Michael Wrigley; Grandchildren Benham IV, Madeline, Landon, and Jordyn. She is predeceased by her parents William and Naomi Deahl, and brother Charles (Chuck) Deahl. 

The family will greet friends on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 2-4PM and 6-8PM.  In lieu of flowers and in memory of Becky, contributions can be made to Mary Free Bed Guild Legacy Fund or the Junior League of Grand Rapids. 

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