A bright star has left us to return to the Heavens. Rebecca, born in Chicago, IN, passed peacefully in her home in Oak Valley, CA. After high school, Rebecca enlisted in the Navy, serving two terms from 1980-91 as a petty officer first class in New Zealand and Hawaii. She was an avid long-distance runner, receiving numerous medals for her achievements. After her service, Rebecca found joy in working outside. Property maintenance, tree removal, pond cleaning, and building retention walls were just a few of her jobs. She was a BMW (Burley Mountain Woman) who could run circles around most. Rebecca was a kind, thoughtful, loving woman whose perfect day would be down at the Yuba River with her dog Shelby, basking in the wonders of nature. Always a keen-eyed woman, she found happiness in the smallest of life’s creations. She was an avid stone, gem, and gold collector, scouring the earth, panning and sluicing the river to find hidden treasures. Rebecca was a deep thinker. She always questioned, seeking a deeper understanding of our purpose on this planet. She had the courage to stand up for what is right and true and always gave her all. Rebecca is survived by Bonnie Taonus, sister, and Aaron Taonus, brother. A celebration of life will be held on January 21st, 2004, from 4-7 p.m. at the Camptonville Community Center.October 25, 1962 — January 1, 2024