Obituary

Rebecca “Becky” Bauman

September 14, 1951 - October 28, 2023

Rebecca “Becky” Bauman, 72, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the Healthcare Resort of Topeka. She was born September 14, 1951, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Valentine and Cruse (Gutierrez) Corona.

Becky grew up in the Oakland community in Topeka. She attended State Street Elementary School, Holiday Junior High School, and Highland Park High School. She and the family survived a terrifying evening in their basement on June 8, 1966, when a tornado severely damaged their home. Becky was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone out of high school.

She married Richard “Dick” Bauman in Topeka on March 15, 1975, and they raised two wonderful daughters, Valerie and Erica. After they married, Becky and Dick briefly lived in Wellington, Ks before returning to Topeka in 1978. She taught aerobics for two years before being employed by USD 501 as a school secretary and eventually as a finance clerk. She retired from USD 501 in 2002.

Her grandchildren, Ben and Madi, were her favorite pastime. She was always there to celebrate their accomplishments in school, band, and other activities. She spoiled her grandchildren with the best pickles, jello, and snacks. Her family loved her chicken mole, chicken enchilada casserole, and taco salad; and her “grandcats” were provided with enough cat treats to last nine lifetimes. Ben and Madi always displayed great respect, care, and empathy for their deeply loved grandma and grandpa.

Becky enjoyed working with her house plants, orchids, and recipe books as well as spoiling her sun conure, Marli, otherwise known as her “little birdie.” She loved going to movies and looked forward to “cheap day” Tuesdays with half price popcorn. She also loved traveling with her family; enjoying the laughter, the memories, their precious time together in the Grand Tetons, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Colorado. She also enjoyed traveling the beautiful state of Kansas on weekend trips with the love of her life, Dick.

Becky was the second of five children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Valentine and Cruse Corona; Carl Corona; and sisters Cindy (Neil) Gilbert, and Vivian Cozadd. She is survived by: her husband Richard Bauman; sister Darlene Morgan; daughters Valerie VanDerSluis (Jay Hurst) and Erica (David) Miller; grandchildren Benjamin VanDerSluis and Madilyn VanDerSluis; sister-in-law Ellen Corona; and brother-in-law Chris Cozadd. She will also be fondly remembered by her extended family of many other sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

By her request, Becky will be cremated, and a memorial visitation will be held at Reynold’s Lodge, Lake Shawnee (3315 SE Tinman Circle, Topeka, KS), on November 15, 2023, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Sandwiches and refreshments will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House or KTWU.