Rebecca "Becki" Mason

Rebecca (Becki) Witke Mason, 40, passed away January 14, 2017 at Taylor House.

Becki was born June 3, 1976 in Des Moines to Randy and Marilyn Witke. As a child, she was a fun loving and determined spitfire. Becki cricket, as her mom called her, was known for climbing everything and for swinging so high on the swing set that it seemed she'd flip over the top. Her determined nature was there from birth. Her parents loved to tell the story of how she was born so fast that the doctor walked in just in time to catch her. And, she started walking - or running, really - at only 9 months old.

Becki graduated from Hoover High School in 1994. She had a large group of friends who definitely helped make high school a fun time. In 1994, Becki started school at Iowa State University and joined Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, which was the same sorority as her sister. She graduated in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in Children and Family Services. She worked in education programs and summer camps that focused on at-risk children. She loved this work and truly cared for the kids, but she eventually changed careers and moved into billing and insurance work, which was a better fit for her as she moved into family life.

Becki married her first husband, Travis Ross, in 2008 and together they brought beautiful Delaney into the world. Though their marriage ended, they remained friends and put Delaney first in all ways.

In 2012, Becki met the love of her life, Geoff Mason. The couple married on January 3, 2014, blending their families. Becki and Geoff enjoyed a happy marriage. They were often able to have weekend date nights and enjoyed the alone time amidst their busy lives. As often as they could, they would escape to check out new cities around the Midwest, often staying in Bed & Breakfasts that offered romantic getaways.

Becki's happiest achievements and reasons for living were being momma to Delaney and wife to Geoff. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, Becki endured two years of chemotherapy in hopes of beating the cancer, and eventually in hopes of delaying the inevitable. She showed selflessness, bravery and grace as she fought for her life. Becki's wish for all women is to advocate for your own healthcare. Get mammograms. Call your doctor if you have a concern, even if it seems silly. Make time for your appointments. Don't settle for an x-ray if you can have an MRI.

Those who will carry on Becki's memory are her husband, Geoff Mason of Ankeny, Iowa; her daughter, Delaney Ross; and her step-children, Cameron, Morgan and Abigail Mason, all of Ankeny; her father, Randy Witke of Des Moines; her sister, Melinda (Paul) Kluding of Jacksonville, FL; her brother, Brad (Gretchen) Witke of Portland, OR; nephews, Johnathan, Arnie and Julian; niece, Kaelyn; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Randall and Bonnie Mason of Cheyenne, WY; her sister-in-law, Holly (Paul) Schlachter of Cheyenne, WY; Delaney's father, Travis Ross of Ankeny; a very special family friend, Suzanne Nelson of Johnston; and many cherished aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved mom, Marilyn Witke in 1996.

Her family would like to thank all of you who reached out to Becki to provide comfort, express love, offer a distraction, etc. Your gift of friendship was greatly appreciated. Thank you also to Dr. Hill, Jennifer Witt, and countless others at Unity Point and Stoddard Cancer Center who helped Becki, showed her patience and kindness, and gave her excellent care. Becki appreciated you all so much and told us that often. And thank you to the Can Do Cancer organization, which was among Becki's favorites in offering services and care when she needed it most. And finally, thank you to the Taylor House hospice team who helped cared for Becki.

Services will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Friends and family are invited to stay for fellowship following the service. There will be no visitation at Becki's request. Private inurnment will be at Glendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to CanDOCancer.org or to Delaney's college fund. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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