Rebecca Susan Nentwick (Becky Standley), 74, passed away Nov. 19, 2022 from complications due to Alzheimers.

Born in East Liverpool, OH Dec. 2, 1947 to Robert and Jane Nentwick. She graduated Kent State University in 1969 with a teaching degree. She was headed to the Peace Corp (CA), had her shots and everything, and her soon to be husband (Paul Standley) called and professed his love and she came home. Within a year she was married, had a baby, and her first teaching job. In 1974 they moved to Springfield, MO. She taught as a Learning Disability teacher in various locations over the next 10 yrs. In 1982 she earned her Masters Degree in Learning disabilities from SMSU while working full time and raising 3 kids. In 1986 she opened Rivendale Institute of Learning. This was her dream come true and the thing she would forever be the most proud of! In 2000 due to health issues she sold the school and retired. The school is still in operation and owned by ARC of the Ozarks. After retiring she still found ways to educate and help. She volunteered at the Kitchen, she helped adults learn to read and work towards getting their GED with Ozark Literacy, and she volunteered at St. Johns with transitional care patients.

She remarried (Fred Rosenberger) and was able to enjoy some good years of fun, food, and travel, before her health issues became debilitating and isolating. She loved going to auctions, art museums, visiting family, reading, walks with her friend Joan, the beach, centering prayer group, making memories with her grandkids, silver sneakers, her dog Maxi, and yoga.

She had a full life and was grateful for all of it. She was a gifted educator who improved the lives of her students and families. Unwavered in her faith. She loved, she laughed, had friends and family she treasured, made her grandchildren feel special and loved. With her big brown eyes, warm smile, and a welcome hug, my mom made people feel loved.

Survived by her daughter Celeste Wharry of Fayetteville, AR and 3 grandchildren: Gavin, Niall, and Teaghan Wharry; her son Matt Standley (Echo) of Atlanta, GA and grandchild, Montgomery Standley; and son Zach Standley (Renee) of Springfield, MO. Her Nephews Craig and Chris Nentwick, and niece Melissa Nentwick. And remembered by the many students she helped over the years.

Preceded in death by her parents and brother Bob Nentwick.

Family would like to thank the staff and residents of The Township for making our moms last year better than we could have hoped, by caring for her and being her friend. And for her best friend Joan and her daughter Kris for being family to us, we couldn’t have gotten through this last year without your love, help, friendship, and support.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like, the family requests for memorial donations be sent to Rivendale Institute of Learning to honor the legacy of Becky Standley as the founder for her contribution to the expansion of autism educational services and supports for children and their families for decades to come https://bit.ly/BeckyStandley   OR to the Pudendal Neuralgia Association (this condition is invisible, debilitating, & rare) https://www.pudendalassociation.org/donation [pudendalassociation.org]