Rebecca Gayle Igo

Rebecca Gayle Igo, 58, of Terre Haute, passed away at 11:50 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 2013 in her home, where her sister and her two dogs were caring for her during a long illness.

She was born Sept. 12, 1954 in New Castle, in Henry County, the daughter of Margaret Ellen (Irvin) and Oscar Allen Igo.

Becky graduated from Blue River Valley High School in Mt. Summit and from Indiana State University in 1977.

She worked as journalist in New Castle, Brownsburg, Greencastle and Terre Haute.

She worked at The News Republican in New Castle from May to July 1977, writing columns about living in rural Indiana, and at her request received no payment because she wanted to gain experience and demonstrate her abilities. She later worked at radio station WCTW in New Castle as traffic scheduler from July 1977 to September 1978.

At The Guide in Brownsburg, she was a general assignment reporter September to October 1978. From October 1978 to April 1990 she was affiliated with the Banner-Graphic in Greencastle as a writer and news editor. At The Tribune-Star from April 1990 to 2006, she worked as a reporter, assistant city editor, city editor, regional editor, copy editor and page designer.

Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, employed her as marketing coordinator and marketing director from August 2006 to the present when illness prevented her from working. Becky truly believed she was brought to work at Sisters of Providence by God and to serve Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and the mission of faith, education and service to the people of Indiana.

She was a member of the Indiana Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and received ICSPJ awards annually from 2002-05. She received a Hoosier State Press Association award in 2004 and two awards from Community Newspapers Holdings Inc. in 2002.

She was a member and former president of the Terre Haute Newspaper Guild and was involved in contract negotiations for local guild members. A loyal advocate for workers, she was dedicated to the principle of fair and professional treatment of all workers. Her union work led to many late nights and early mornings beyond her regular workdays

At Sisters of Providence as marketing coordinator and then marketing director, she had six program areas to promote and support the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Shrine and the National Shrine of our Lady of Providence, Providence Center, Banquet Facilities, the Gift Shop at Providence Center, and Volunteer Services.

Becky participated in committee work, wrote for Hope magazine and the Sisters of Providence website, interviewed sisters about their work and lives, and photographed events and people. She created and implemented the Sister of Providence Youth Art Contest so that the children could demonstrate their curiosity, imagination and talents and learn about St. Mother Theodore Guerin. She assisted with Family Day and other special events, such as Golf Scramble. She coordinated print and media advertising for the Sisters of Providence.

She enjoyed all kinds of music, sports, reading, movies and time with her family of humans, dogs and friends.

She frequently rescued animals -- turtles, dogs, cats, birds --and often assisted and drafted others in informal missions to find homes for animals and wild creatures. She loved people and enjoyed community and state parks. She was passionate about local and national politics and that people vote. She loved gardening and shared her mother's passion for irises, magnolia trees, peony bushes and annual plantings of geraniums and petunias.

She is survived by her older sister Diana Igo of Bloomington; aunt Betty Boger of Seymour; aunt Doris and uncle Don Beck of New Castle; aunt Carolyn and uncle Ron Merrill of Indianapolis; uncle Steve Petry of Indianapolis; and cousins Melvin and Dee Igo of New Castle; Barbara and Jeff Bailey of Cumberland; Linda and Mike Langford of Avon; Steve and Donna Beck of Lagro; Jerry and Amy Boger of Seymour; Tom Koontz of Mooreland; Keith and Lana Irvin of Powell, Ohio; Melinda and Thad Smith of Boulder, Colo.; and other cousins and family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; uncle Harold Boger; aunt Berenice and uncle Farmer Ramey; uncle Robert and aunt Maxine Irvin; aunt Marilyn Petry; uncle Leroy and aunt Lillian Igo; uncles Arnold and Boyd Igo and Mark Zimmerman; aunts Shelley and Bessie Igo; uncle Seward and aunt Inez Igo; uncle Delmer and aunt Valeda Igo; aunt Odessa (Igo) and uncle Eugene Christman; cousins Faye Koontz and Richard Ramey; and other family members.

Becky's sister will greet guests on Monday, April 29 during visitation 5-7 p.m. in the Greiner Funeral Home, 2005 N. 13th St., Terre Haute.

On Tuesday, April 30, a service is set for 2 p.m. in St. Joseph Chapel in Owen Hall on the Sisters of Providence campus, with coordination and leadership assistance by Sister Ann Casper and Father Daniel Hopcus.

A wake, scheduled for 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, precedes the 2 p.m. service in St. Joseph Chapel. On Wednesday, May 1, graveside services will be conducted at 1 p.m. at Mt. Summit Cemetery in Henry County. Presiding minister will be Mark O'Brien of Mt. Summit Christian Church.

If friends so desire, donations in Becky's memory, may be made to Sisters of Providence or the Vigo County Public Library.

Online condolences can be made at www.greinerfuneralhome.com.