Rebecca Raye "Becky" Kaufman

Rebecca Raye "Becky" Kaufman

Washington

Rebecca Raye "Becky" Kaufman, age 79, of Washington, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at her home while being cared for by her family.

Celebration of life services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Alyssa Nantt officiating. Calling hours will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will be present to receive friends from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Memorials have been established for the United Methodist Church or Paws and More Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be sent to Becky's family at www.jonesfh.com.

Becky’s heart, personality and generosity belied her small physical stature. Like all of the Wells girls, she had her own remarkable and unique laugh. Devoted to her husband, kids, and grandkids, Becky also especially enjoyed extended family gatherings of all sizes. She loved the season of Advent, Christmas shopping, and could often be found humming or singing her favorite Christmas hymns while cleaning or decorating. She cheered for the Demons – especially when her kids or grandkids are on the team – as well as the Hawks and the Army Black Knights through thick and thin years.

Becky was born on August 6, 1946, in Washington, Iowa, the daughter of Curtis and Laurene (Dircks) Wells. She graduated from Washington High School in 1964 and was united in marriage to Wayne L. Kaufman on July 22, 1972, in Washington, Iowa.

Becky was the Secretary at Cargill in Washington for nearly twenty years before working as the Secretary of the United Methodist Church. She lastly worked at ResCare/Optimae until her retirement. Becky was an active member of the United Methodist Church where she served on many committees. She was a member of T.T.T., and of Gamma Tau of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

For many years Becky enjoyed league bowling. In her later years she often volunteered at Paws and More and Pillar's Gift Shop at the Washington County Hospital. Becky remained very close with her high school classmates and always looked forward to their bi-weekly lunches. She enjoyed the annual trips she took with her friends, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling to see her son and his family.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne Kaufman of Washington, Iowa; son, Colonel Aaron Kaufman and wife Carolin of Stuttgart, Germany; daughter, Amy and husband Vern Miller of Washington, Iowa; six grandchildren: William and Rosie Kaufman; and Grace, Aidan and fiancé Mari Harper, Wade and Alec Miller; sister-in-law, Avis Wells-Smith of Coralville, Iowa; brother and sister-in-law, Louie and Liza Kaufman of Urbandale, Iowa; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Becky also leaves behind her loving cavapoo, Ruby, her companion for the last ten years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Don Hanson; sister and brother-in-law, Kirtene and Frank Bruty, brother James "Butch" Wells, and sister, Greta Wells.