Rebecca Ann Kuschel

Rebecca Ann Kuschel, 36, of Columbia, returned to our Heavenly Father on Friday, July 19, 2013, having passed away at Columbia Manor, following a courageous battle with cancer. Rebecca was born February 9, 1977, in Sedalia, Mo., the daughter of Michael Kuschel and MaryAnn (Karrer) Kuschel. Rebecca attended school at Smithon R-VI, Blue Ridge Elementary, Oakland Junior High, Rock Bridge High, and graduated from Chamois High, Class of 1995. Rebecca was currently working on obtaining her Bachelor's degree prior to the cancer diagnosis. For the past six years, Rebecca worked at Boone Hospital Center, where she was surrounded with wonderful colleagues, many who would become close friends. Rebecca's greatest joy were her teenage daughters, Symone Aleksa and Ariana Lynn. Besides her daughters, Rebecca is survived by her father, Michael Kuschel and step-mother Beth White of Westphalia, Mo.; mother, MaryAnn Williamson of Columbia, Mo.; sister, Jennifer Books and husband Jason of Williamsburg, Mo.; brother, Douglas Kuschel and wife Libby of Navarre, Fla.; step-siblings, Joshua and Rachel White; niece and nephew, Lydia and Waylon Books; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. Rebecca was preceded in death by her 11-month old daughter, Karra Paige, as well as her maternal and paternal grandparents. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Friday, July 26, 2013, at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, with Pastor Max Jennings officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Rebecca's memory at Life Network, providing new cribs to expectant mothers. Memorial contributions may be sent to Life Network of Central Missouri, 802 N Providence Rd, Suite 2, Columbia MO 65203.