Rebecca Salome Civico Chavez

Rebecca Salome Civico Chavez (fondly called Becky), age 64, of Springdale, Ark., passed from this life Thursday, October 14, 2021. She was born October 22, 1956, in Camarines Sur, Philippines. Her parents, Santos Civico and Socorro Agorita Civico, and brother, Herman Civico precede her in death. She was the eldest of 10 children. Overcoming economic hardship, she graduated valedictorian in high school; and completed both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of the Philippines at Los Banos. She received her Ph.D in Weed Science at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, USA. Over the years, she had worked for the University of Arkansas, USDA, United Bank, and most recently as a business owner of Manna Kitchen, a local Filipino deli. She served various civic leadership positions for the Northwest Arkansas Filipino-American Association, including President. She cherished being a mom to her four children. She absolutely enjoyed cooking delicious dishes for people. Her other hobbies included photography, fishing, and most of all gardening---with a particular love for roses, orchids, and other ornamental flowers that filled her gardens, and a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables she shared with all. However, she found joy most of all in her five grandchildren---Grant, Kinzie, Jackson, Edison & Sophia. She could play a mean game of Scrabble with the best of them. She was undeniably the best wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was honest, kind, and selfless—the epitome of generosity. She was ready to help anybody in need to the point of self-sacrifice, and for that, heaven has gained a true angel. She loved the Lord God Almighty and found comfort in knowing she would find God's embrace when coming home to Him. Survivors are her husband, Eddie De la Cuesta Chavez; her children, Dorothy Grace C. Landerito (graduate of Wellesley College and University of Arkansas), Edrebryan C. Chavez (graduate of Duke University), Gizelle C. Mrosak (graduate of St. Olaf College), Jonathan C. Chavez (graduate of Ateneo de Naga University); five brothers: Alberto Civico, Tomas Civico, Dante Agorita, Salvador Civico, Sancho Civico; three sisters: Rechilda Civico-Almazar, Aileen Civico-San Buenaventura, Aline Civico-Alcantara; and five grandchildren. The family requests that in lieu of flower donations that a check donation be made to the Mykka Estorninos Foundation. Inquire at [email protected] for more information about donation and upcoming memorial service. Cremation arrangements are by Nelson Berna Funeral Home. To place an online tribute, please visit: www.bernafuneralhomes.com