Rebecca Behringer

Rebecca Behringer, lovingly known to many as Mama Becky, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, in Waco, Texas, closing a chapter on a life filled with warmth, resilience, and unwavering love. Born on November 15, 1937, in Capas, Tarlac, Philippines, Rebecca's journey was marked by both profound challenges and boundless compassion, leaving an indelible imprint on all who knew her.

Rebecca’s early years were shadowed by the turmoil of World War II, a time that profoundly shaped her spirit. She bore the sorrow of losing several siblings during this period, including Lolita, who was born in 1931; Elizar, who she vaguely remembered helped bathe her; Virginia, she would say, “you’re always taking a bath!”; Jacob and Obed, who both passed away from malnutrition at birth; and Ruth. These losses, set against the backdrop of the war’s hardships, including her disdain for sweet potatoes and hominy tied to painful memories, forged in her a quiet strength and empathy that would define her.

Rebecca was a woman of many talents and an extraordinary heart. She was a brilliant cook, renowned especially for her authentic Pilipino dishes that brought comfort and joy to her family and friends. Her ability to converse in her native language, even when others could not understand, painted pictures of her rich heritage and delightful personality. Her home was a haven not only for her beloved husband and sons but also for the beloved Siamese cats she adored for their elegance and companionship. Alongside her feline friends, she kept chickens and nurtured a love for gardening that reflected her nurturing nature and independent spirit.

Mama Becky was a fixer of all things, gifted with practical skills that amazed her sons and community alike. She was always busy – whether sewing in her earlier years, tending the garden, or diligently doing the dishes—her hands never still, her heart always full. She was fiercely independent, with a uniquely odd sense of humor, yet her kindness and compassion shone brightly to those around her. Known for her friendliness, she never met a stranger, embracing every person with warmth and trust, never uttering a foul word in her lifetime.

A woman deeply rooted in her faith, Rebecca began her spiritual journey as a Catholic but found new light in the Church of Christ in the early to mid-1970s. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and cementing the deep bonds she formed with many, including the countless children who affectionately called her Mama as she volunteered to help out the school band.

Rebecca's life was also marked by a beautiful love story. She met her husband, Kenneth W. Behringer, in the Philippines, where they were married before relocating to the United States. Their union was a beacon of love and partnership until Kenneth’s passing. Rebecca’s heart always yearned for her homeland, returning to the Philippines whenever she could, weaving connections across continents with people she met, even on flights. Her love for music brought her comfort and joy, with favorites like Charlie Pride and Glen Campbell often filling her home.

She proudly celebrated her greatest accomplishments: her sons and their wives, a legacy of family and love that she nurtured with unwavering devotion. Despite the years and challenges, Rebecca remained active and vibrant, driving well into her final weeks and maintaining her unyielding spirit.

Rebecca is lovingly remembered and mourned by her surviving family: her son Robert Behringer and his wife Patricia, her brother Frank Yalung and his wife Puring, her sister Teresita Zabel, and her daughter-in-law Laurie Behringer Bailey. Their lives are richer for having known her gentle guidance, strength, and boundless love.

Services to honor Rebecca’s remarkable life will be held at Lawson Funeral Home, on March 28, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. All who knew her are invited to come and celebrate the life of a woman who was truly one of a kind.

Rebecca “Becky” Behringer’s legacy is timeless—a tapestry woven of love, resilience, kindness, and the simple, profound joys of everyday life. Her spirit will forever live in the hearts of those she touched.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home, Meridian, Texas. 254-435-2792.