Rebecca ‘Beckye’ Jarrett
, 77
Some people live their lives as legends, for they set lofty standards. Tall stories will be told of them. Setting the mark high for us to admire was Rebecca “Beckye” Jarrett as a pioneering woman in the military avionics industry from 1966 to 1998, as a loving wife and savvy business partner to her husband Jerry Jarrett from their marriage in 1971 to his passing in 2004, as a devoted family member and as a thoughtful friend to many.
It was her sharp mind and sarcastic wit that kept us all smiling as she could send many a group of young engineers into panic at her beloved Garret/Air Research/Allied Signal/Honeywell Aerospace. Her ability to see trouble before it happened earned her a respected position chairing engineering review boards for decades. Those review boards managed parts that flew in 90% of the aircraft in the free world.
She loved her work, her church, the childhood home of Klamath Falls, Oregon, her kitties, and most of all…she loved her dear family. Nieces and nephews were the center of her focus in later years. God chose to take precious Beckye on April 8, 2021, so that she could join her husband Jerry in heaven who made her wait so many years. We know she is in heaven as she much loved the Catholic Church and lived her faith daily.
Beckye is survived by her sisters Patricia Timm and Kristine Varsho (Don), her nephew Terry Timm, and nieces Michelle Wilbur, Deena Griffin, Denise Stewart, and Linda Kerr, 7 grand nieces, 4 grand nephews, 4 great grand nieces, and 7 great grandnephews. Beckye was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jerry and a nephew, Bob Varsho.
A Catholic Mass of burial will be said at St. Stevens Catholic Church 24827 S. Dobson Road, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 on Monday, April 26 at 10 am.
The committal service will be held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery immediately following the mass. 1562 E. Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204.
A lunch reception will follow at 1 pm at the residence of Beckye’s niece, Michelle, at 1149 W. Iris Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85233.