Rebecca "Becki" Ann Paup, born in Walla Walla, Washington, and long-time resident of Kennewick and Richland, Washington, died following a sudden and brief period of illness on Saturday, August 24th. She departed this world in the loving arms of her two daughters and family. Becki was 62 years old.

The sole child of since-passed Glenna (née Dunham) and Gerald Brunton, Becki was born on November 18th, 1961. She attended Walla Walla High School and graduated in 1980 prior to attending Washington State University, following the collegiate tradition of her mother, father, and paternal grandparents. Becki received a bachelor's in English in 1984 and her master's in education in 1991 at WSU. Becki and Greg Paup were wed in 1986 but ultimately divorced. They had two daughters together, Sierra in 1993 and Emily in 1999.

Becki dedicated her life to education across Washington state, beginning with her student teaching at WA-Hi, positions at Pasco High, Oak Harbor High, and then Kamiakin High, substitute teaching across the Prosser School District, and finally teaching Sunday school at Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church. In both her teaching and personal lives, she expressed deep compassion and kindness. She made friends in line at the grocery store, avidly helped those she found in need, and accepted others as they were. Her humor caught many by surprise, either in its wit, irreverence, or indecency. Although she would often deny the jokes after the fact, many of her clever comments will be remembered for decades to come. In recent years, Becki began speaking more openly about her struggles with mental health. She not only taught countless students the subjects of English and drama, but also all of those in her life the hard-learned lessons of true self-compassion and forgiveness.

Becki is survived by her two daughters, Sierra and Emily Paup. She is additionally survived by her cousins, Julie Woodruff and Derek Brunton, daughter-in-law, Victoria Paup, ex-husband, Greg Paup, and her dearly devoted and perpetually peckish cat, Max.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church on 9/13/2024 at 4 pm. A light dinner will be offered. Flowers, memories, condolences, and other offerings may be sent to Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church at 325 Silver Meadows Dr, Richland, WA 99352. We love you, Mom.