Rebecca Ann Van Wagenen

Rebecca Ann (Young) Van Wagenen, 47, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024, in Johnson City, Tennessee, surrounded by her family, after a valiant, year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

 She was born May 10, 1977, to Paul and Beverly Young in Inglewood, California. She would like to thank her parents for the many years of street cred being born in Inglewood afforded her during her life.

 Rebecca was a bit of a daredevil as a child, which led to missing teeth and scars with stories. She was never one to back down from a challenge. The best way to motivate her was to tell her you didn't think she could do something.

 Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia as a child and being told by a school counselor she would never amount to anything, Rebecca excelled in her education and professionally. She graduated from Springville High School where she participated in the choir, tall flags, and lettered as the goalie for the girls’ soccer team. She attended the University of Utah and completed a BS in Speech Communication, Argumentation, & Conflict in 2015, a Masters Certificate in Mediation, Negotiations, and Facilitation, and an Executive MBA in 2021—all while working and raising children. She was also the recipient of the National Engaged Leader Award from Sigma Alpha Pi.

 She worked for several large companies including Intercontinental Hotels Group, Comcast, Clearlink, and Universal Companies, managing employees and working with key performance analytics. She was also an appointed Court Roster Mediator for the State of Utah.

 Music, and particularly musical theater, were an integral part of Rebecca’s life. She performed in her first opera at the age of 9 and was hooked. She participated in choir and many local musical theater productions growing up and as a young adult and went on to join the Utah Opera as a Soprano, she loved her time with the opera.

 After moving to Tennessee in 2021, she continued performing, participating in many productions with Theatre Bristol, Jonesborough Repertory Theatre, and the Bonnie Kate Theatre. Although she adored being on stage, she loved directing youth theater even more both in Utah and Tennessee.

 She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings throughout her life. Her favorite was the privilege of serving as the Young Women*s President in the Johnson City Ward. She truly loved all her young women and was heartbroken to be released due to her illness.

She married Jeff Van Wagenen on May 25, 2007, in Salt Lake City. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple.

 She is survived by her husband, Jeff Van Wagenen; children: Kennedy Law, Ethan (Lauren) Law, Breda Van Wagenen, Xander Van Wagenen; parents: Paul & Beverly Young; siblings: Shannon (Kristian) Kallaker, Nichole (Rob) Hendricks, Heidi (Thomas) Kazery, Rachelle (Luke) Gunderson, Jessica (Chris) Vincent, Jamie (Daniel) Miller, Natalle (Alex) Baker, Elizabeth (Caleb) Bailey, Christopher (Mariah) Young, in-laws: William (Deb) Van Wagenen, Evelyn (Joe) Jackson; sisters-in-law: Melanie Young and Krista (Skylar) Harrington; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law Jared Young and niece lsla Jane Vincent.

 We are all so proud of Rebecca and her accomplishments, not least of all her strength through her illness. We will miss her sarcasm and random singing of showtunes, but even more than that, her kindness and warmth.

 A visitation will be held for friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 211 Mayflower Road Johnson City, Tennessee 37601.

 A visitation for friends is also scheduled for 9:30 am to 10:30 am Friday, December 20, 2024, at Larkin Mortuary in Sandy, Utah. A Celebration of Life service will begin following the visitation at 11:00 am.

 The committal service for Rebecca will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah, following the Celebration of Life service, on December 20, 2024.

 Sympathies and memories may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

 Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Rebecca Van Wagenen. 423-282-1521.