Deceased Information
DECEASED
Rebecca Ries
AGE
59
DATE OF DEATH
Saturday, April 17, 2021 (Before Sunset)
DATE OF FUNERAL
Monday, April 19, 2021
TIME OF FUNERAL
1:30 PM
PLACE OF FUNERAL
Zoom (due to Covid19)
PLACE OF BURIAL
Zoom (due to Covid19)
OBITUARY
Click HERE to view the funeral live.
Meeting ID: 829 2865 1847
Passcode: 621904
Rebecca Jean Gewin Ries was 59 when cancer took her from us. How many people she touched during her life’s journey!
Rebecca was a native Atlantan who lived in the city all her life, save for a few years she was dragged kicking and screaming to Alabama. There was no one like her. She joked that her curvaceous body and small hands and feet were proof she was assembled with spare parts.
She was most proud to be David’s wife and West’s mother. She somehow persuaded the lifetime bachelor to take the plunge. Their 19 years of marriage, while way too short, was filled with affection, laughter, encouragement, intelligent conversation and just a love of being with each other. Rebecca was also a loving parent to West, an advocate, a teacher and a friend. Hearing them sing together was like hearing a pair of angels.
Rebecca also adored her preschoolers at The Temple’s Weinberg Early Learning Center. She loved every child as if he or she was her own. She was also art teacher at The Bregman Religious School at The Temple. Her creativity was endless. Her husband called her “MacGyver.” You would never throw anything out before checking first whether Rebecca could make something out of it.
Prior to becoming a teacher, Rebecca had a illustrious radio career. She started that career before she could even drive, at age 15. For 16 years, she hosted “Atlanta’s Love Songs” on B98.5. “Rebecca Stevens” wasn’t just a role she played, it was her...lover of life. She also met her husband there, when David called the wrong station to ask about a novelty song he had heard. Rebecca had a feeling this guy needed to be in her life and vice-versa. Rebecca also worked in the Met Lab at The Weather Channel, as a floral arranger, a manager at Bird Watcher Supply and other places. She would be shopping at Michael’s and help another customer with an arrangement.
Rebecca loved people. She never met a stranger. Even while fighting cancer, she would bring candy to those delivering the infusion. Always focused on others, she would hate this tribute. Her kindness and huge heart touched so many.
Besides David and West, Rebecca is survived by her brother, Britt Gewin Jr. and her teaching colleagues and students who loved “Miss Rebecca”
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor Rebecca, please consider a donation to The Temple’s Weinberg Early Learning Center (WELC) or The Temple Choir.
GUESTBOOK
Please click here for a printer friendly version.
The Dressler Family
May the memories of our loved ones remain for a blessing.
Heather
I worked with Rebecca briefly at WSB and I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She truly was one of a kind and filled every room with warmth and laughter. Peace to all who loved her.
May 04, 2021 , 03:56 PM
Jordan Graye
So sorry for your loss, David and West. I know she's watching over y'all from heaven. It comforts me to think that another 'founding member' of B98.5FM paved the way for her. Can't you just see Rebecca and Night Train Lane having a wonderful reunion? Love and Light helping your hearts heal. xoxo
April 22, 2021 , 08:31 PM
Craig Carden
Rebecca was one of the most genuinely kind and caring people I've ever met, at work, or anywhere else. A friendly chat with her could brighten a long overnight shift more than anything else ever could. The heavens will glow a bit more with her light, but we will surely miss her here.
April 22, 2021 , 05:34 PM
Robin Reid
David, my sincere condolences and prayers for you during this difficult time.
April 22, 2021 , 04:28 PM
Abby
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your Beloved Rebecca Stevens
April 22, 2021 , 01:58 PM
Margaret St. James
I hosted Love Songs on Saturday evenings after Rebecca got off the air. She was an amazing talent who loved what she did and inspired so many listeners and everyone who worked with her - including me. Her personality, faith, humor and compassion made a tremendous impact on my life and I will forever be grateful for her.
April 22, 2021 , 12:26 AM
Susan H Berman
Looking for link to Shiva
April 20, 2021 , 12:19 AM
Betty Malone
David, Thank you for making Rebecca's funeral available to view on ZOOM. It was a wonderful service. She was obviously treasured by all who knew her. Via Facebook, I feel like I have been on the journey through Rebecca's illness with you, and my heart is hurting for you and West. I pray that your family, friends, faith and memories will all be sources of comfort to you both during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
April 19, 2021 , 07:49 PM
Rayman Bernal
So very to told of Rebecca’s passing. I worked in radio a number of years and ran across Rebecca a few times. My time at B98.5 was the first time I’d met her very easy to talk to and to listen to. I was also a great fan of her Love Songs Show. May you rest now while and in Peace no longer burdened by the failure of our limited physical life issues. Be enlightened as You have prepared for these days. Condolences to David and West.
April 19, 2021 , 07:42 PM
Ariela Ehrens
As Rabbi Berg said, Rebecca was like an angel among us. I am so grateful to have known her. Sending sincere condolences. May her memory be a blessing.
April 19, 2021 , 07:39 PM
EDYE Disner
David - you and Rebecca had a love for each other that I have never witnessed in others. My heart breaks for you. West - Your words and voice honored your mother so beautifully during the funeral today. She is so proud of you and all you are!
April 19, 2021 , 07:19 PM
Nadia Kimball
Miss Rebecca helped me make my menorah. She was my art teacher and a dedicated teacher at that. I will remember her being so kind and considerate. (Nadia Kimball)
April 19, 2021 , 06:46 PM
Nadia Kimball
Miss Rebecca helped me make my menorah. She was my art teacher and a dedicated teacher at that. I will remember her being so kind and considerate. (Nadia Kimball)
April 19, 2021 , 06:46 PM
Carly Cooper
Rebecca was my son Sammy's teacher last year. She was the most kind-hearted person I ever met. All throughout COVID, she would FaceTime to check in on us. She always had a smile and a compliment ready. We will miss her greatly.
April 19, 2021 , 06:31 PM
tania yegelwel moser
Sending my deepest condolences to you all during this difficult time. Rebecca was always such a joy to work with at The Temple - she was so warm, kind, and loving to all. We will miss her dearly.
April 19, 2021 , 06:30 PM
Karen Kerness
I will so miss singing with Rebecca, especially our little Rosh Hashannah duets! She was always so humble and shy about knowing her parts and then blew me away with the strength and beauty of her voice every time! Sending so much love and strength.
April 19, 2021 , 06:23 PM
Kelly McCoy
So sorry to hear this news. What a sweet lady, and certainly a beautiful soul. Many fond memories of our years together at B98.5. Please know that David, and all the family are in my prayers.
April 19, 2021 , 04:47 PM
Shawn Tavani
Rebecca was such a favorite person to our family. Andrew, Max, Ellie and I were so find of her. From preschool to BEC and afterwards, we enjoyed spending time with her. She was such a ray of light and one of the easiest people to talk to. David and West, you are in our thoughts are prayers.
April 19, 2021 , 03:11 AM
Lynn Kerpel
David and West, Rebecca was such a dear person and was held in much affectionate regard by me and my family. Her life was a blessing to those who knew her.
April 18, 2021 , 08:32 PM
Jenna Shulman
Rebecca was both my boys' teacher at the WELC and we all adored her. We are so sorry for your enormous loss and the loss for our whole Temple community where she was so important and special!
April 18, 2021 , 05:52 PM
PATTY RIES
Rebecca was a wonderful, loving & creative soul, and I will miss her bright smile & ready laugh. Throughout her cancer battle she showed us how strong she was as well. May she now Rest In Peace. David & West I am so sorry for your loss, but please remember I’m only a phone call or text away.
April 18, 2021 , 03:50 PM
Susan and Steve Berman
Our entire family shared in tour sadness and wishes you and West only blessing from beloved Rebecca. She was so much fun, had a delightful sense of humor and a generous, warm personality. She has left her mark in this world and will be sorely missed.
April 18, 2021 , 01:12 AM
Barbara Seligman
I was so sorry to hear of Rebecca's passing. I was rooting for her to win this battle, but it was not to be. Those of us from the WELC and BRS are richer for having been touched by her warmth and talent. May her memory be a blessing
April 18, 2021 , 12:31 AM
Sara and Lance Borochoff
David, We are shocked and saddened to hear of Rebecca’s passing; we remember your loving relationship. We send our condolences. Lance and Sara Borochoff
April 17, 2021 , 09:45 PM
Lisa Mallis
I am so sorry to hear of Rebecca's passing- we went through CA surgery together and were teacher friends. She had a beautiful, creative spirit and will be missed.
April 17, 2021 , 09:06 PM
Robyn Spizman
My deepest condolences. We send you our thoughts and so deeply sorry for the loss of your remarkable precious Rebecca. May her treasured memory be a blessing.
April 17, 2021 , 08:06 PM
Bob Wenger
David & Westley. What a shock and I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Rebecca. She was so kind and thoughtful to give me comfort at the passing of my late wife Francesca. I remember the good times our families had at Passover Seders. Rebecca was a warm and loving person and a true blessing to me. May her memory be a blessing to you now in your time of mourning and always. Bob Wenger
April 17, 2021 , 07:27 PM
Barbara Scheer-Eason
I am so sorry to hear of Rebecca's passing. She was a beautiful woman with a heart full of love and very creative ideas. I enjoyed discussing jewelry making with her and hearing her sing with the Temple Singers. She will be sorely missed.
April 17, 2021 , 07:27 PM
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