Rebecca S. "Becky" Espenschied

Rebecca Sue "Becky" Espenschied, 69, of Strasburg, passed away on December 16, 2024, at Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital after a period of declining health.

Born in Dover on December 30, 1954, to the late Jack E. and Lillian Margaret (Kessler) Sims, Sr., Becky graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1973. She began a successful 40-year career as a cook, starting at Union Country Club as an assistant chef before serving as the day cook at Hennis Care Center in Dover.

A true culinary enthusiast, Becky was known for her love of feeding others and always had food ready to share with family and friends. Her most cherished moments were spent with her grandchildren, and she enjoyed vacations to Daytona Beach.

Becky married Richard A. “Rick” Espenschied on November 17, 1979. Together, they raised their children: Kevin (Brittany) Espenschied of Strasburg, Shannon (Shawn) Kettenring of Kentucky, and Melissa Espenschied of Dover. She was a beloved grandmother to Amelia, Eliza, Ollie, Ava, Penelope, Lincoln, Luca, and Scarlett. She also leaves behind her siblings: Sandy Cox, Jack (Christine) Sims, Jr., Renee (Dan) Jackson, and Nancy (Mark) Homan, along with many nieces and nephews.

Becky was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Sims.

Visitation will be held at Geib Funeral Center, 5600 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a service at 11:30 a.m. Burial will take place at Grandview Union Cemetery in Strasburg.

In memory of Becky’s love for feeding others, memorial contributions may be directed to the Greater Dover New Philadelphia Food Pantry, 420 W. 3rd St., Dover, OH 44622.