Rebecca Ann Simpkins

Rebecca Ann (Karns) Simpkins passed in her sleep on September 26, 2024, at the age of 71.

Becky was born and raised in Marshall, Michigan. She was beautiful, smart, funny and a great cook. She was one of the many students at the old St. Mary’s Catholic School of Marshall. Becky had 2 sons, Andy, and Brian with Chuck Bidelman. She was later married to Richard Simpkins. Early in her life, she was active in the Marshall Jaycees, the Marshall Beauty Pageant and for a while, was on the Marshall Airport Board. She began her working life at the old Geiger Pharmacy, she worked for Dick Ludy in his Insurance Office and for several years at Standard Printing. In 1989, she began working at the Veterans Administration in Battle Creek, MI. Her V.A. career took her to Nashville, TN and then her last stop was at the V.A. in Biloxi, MS. She retired in 2020. Becky and Richard decided to remain near the Mississippi beaches. The summers are hot but the warm winter temperatures made it worthwhile. Becky was an avid reader, she loved to fish, but her back problems really curtailed that over the years. She loved to just go to the beach and listen to the waves and see the dolphins swimming by.

She is survived by her husband, Rich; sons, Brian Bidelman and Andy Bidelman (Sara); brothers, Larry Karns (Julia) and Mike Karns, 4 grandchildren, Mikey (Cyndi), Emily, and Brendan Bidelman, and Jared Miller; 2 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Eleanor Karns; sister, Donna Wintersteen (Denny); and brother, Tom Karns.

“Don’t cry for me, miss me a little but not for too long for today I have gained my wings. For this is a journey we all must take, and we must go alone. Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.”

For how lucky I have been to be married to you for 35 years, Your loving husband.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport is assisting the family.