In Memory

Rebecca Smiley (Porter) - Class Of 1956

Rebecca Smiley (Porter)


 

Rebecca Joan Porter passed this life Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center, in Danville, IL.  Rebecca was born on August 16, 1938, to Homer Thomas Smiley and Olive (Weaver) Smiley.  Rebecca graduated from Rockville High School in 1956 and later Indiana State University. 
Rebecca married Barret Dodd Porter on November 11, 1962.  Dodd preceded her in death on September 8, 2014.  Dodd and Becky had two sons: Barret Dane and Laura (Devore) Porter of Carmel, IN and B. Dirk and Kathie (Moore) Porter of Danville, IL.  They had one grandson: Barret Eli Porter, currently studying at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
Rebecca had a long and fulfilling career as a Registered Nurse. Many years were spent with Dr. Swaim and Dr. Sankey at their offices in Rockville and Cayuga. Her last duties were performed at Williamsburg Nursing Home in Crawfordsville.  While she loved her job and all the work friends she met, she had a special group of friends who refer to themselves as the Ya-Yas.  She enjoyed shopping in area boutiques, collecting Santas, and wearing the newest trends.  She enjoyed decorating her home for all the holidays.  Christmas was her favorite time of the year.  She transformed her entire home for Christmas and loved having her family visit on Christmas Eve.
Surviving Rebecca are her sons Dane and Dirk and her grandson Eli. She also leaves behind her older sister, Phyllis Twitchell in AZ, niece Lynette (Garry) Knowling also in AZ, nephew Tom (Debbie) Brading, Rockville, niece Shelly (Rusty) Akers also in Rockville, and several great nieces and nephews.  Her lifelong friends, the Ya-Yas Sande Bemis, Mary Jo Harney, Helen Gambaiani, Pam Farner and Carolyn Weatherman.
Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dodd Porter, a brother-in-law Robert (Kenny) Twitchell, her younger sister and brother-in-law, Rachel (Zeke) Brading, niece and nephew-in-law Elaine (Will) Marr.
As per Rebecca’s request, there will be no service.  Rebecca gave frequently to St. Jude and Wounded Warrior Project.  If compelled, please donate in her memory to your favorite charity.