This is a website dedicated to our mother, sister, wife and friend,

Rebecca Marie Longsmith. It is written with love and it is written with pride.

When we started this project we didn't realize just how much we wanted to say and also how it made us laugh and cry to go over the wonderful memories we have.

Thank you for letting us share with you and we hope this makes your memories of Becky stay with you always.

Rebecca Marie Longsmith was born

July 2, 1921 in Waverly, Iowa, to

John and Lucille Mayer.

Rebecca was the youngest of the

five Mayer children, joining 2 sisters and 2 brothers, John Jr., Margaret Ann, Paul, and June.

The Mayer family lived a quiet life and Rebecca commented frequently on the ideal childhood she experienced. Family vacations were often camping trips and never to far from home. Becky recalled all of the fun the large family had at meal times and how her mother's sense of humor guided the family through all times. Rebecca's father was a Pharmacist and the 1930's didn't bring the stark poverty that many families remember but when tight times came they weathered them as a family.

Rebecca graduated from Waverly High School in 1939. She immediately began work as a secretary for the Michaels & Strom Law Offices. She loved the work. In November of 1939 a new young lawyer started work, Becky always said she found work a bit more interesting after that!  Bill and Becky were married in 1941.

Bill signed up for the Army Air Force and Becky continued her work until 1945. Bill returned from the war and he and Becky settled down into life in Waverly, both joining fraternal organizations, Eastern Star for Becky and Masons for Bill. Lots of fun bridge games and evenings spent entertaining family and friends made their home a very happy one!

In 1948 Bill and Becky delighted in the birth of their son Charles Robert.  Becky stayed home and flourished as a homemaker and mother. The years fairly flew by. Son Charles followed in Bill's footsteps and joined Bill's law firm upon graduation from the University of Iowa School of Law. Charles and his wife Diana made the family circle even wider and added those beautiful grandchildren to the mix!

Following Bill's retirement they were able travel and

see the world. Ireland, England, France, and many wonderful cruises filled their time.

Becky was past President St. Martin's Alter Society, a past member of the Waverly School Board, Worthy Matron Eastern Star, and worked for the Waverly Public Library as a volunteer.

Memorials

Memorials can be sent to the

Waverly Public Library

for the

 Rebecca Longsmith Children's Library

101 West 14th Street

Waverly, Iowa 54410

Saturday, April 10th 2005

St. Martin's Catholic Church

15th & Hamilton

Waverly, Iowa

Map to Church

Local Florists