Rebecca (Becky) Dillahunty, 71, of Thornton passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2022 in Denver, CO. A loving daughter, wife, mother and grandma, she was born in Oskaloosa, IA on May 29, 1950 to Erma and Herman Vanderlinden. She grew up in New Sharon, IA with her younger brother Harlyn and was very independent of a young age. At the age the 16 she became a Page for the Iowa State House of Representatives where she started on a lifelong love of public service. After graduating from North Mahaska High School, she enrolled at UNC-Greeley in Colorado majoring in Political Science. There she would meet the love of her life Steve Dillahunty. The two married July 12, 1980, in Denver, CO and a few years later welcomed their only son Carson. They were married for 41 blissful years.
Becky retired after 25 years where she worked for Visit Denver as a Senior Sales Manager. She earned many leadership awards from different government and private companies. She also volunteered for many different community programs including the Meetings Industry Council where she served as the chair from 2007-2009 and the Denver Lions Club where she would go on to become the first female president in the Denver chapters history.
After retiring from the hospitality industry, she spent her time focusing on family and her love for traveling and cooking. Steve and Becky were fortunate to travel all over the US and to Europe, but one place that held a special place in her heart was Hawaii. Becky loved hosting, cooking & entertaining her friends and family. She enjoyed the little details and everything was always thought out and perfectly planned. Becky’s favorite Hawaiian trip was to Maui in 2021, where she excitedly got to walk her son Carson down the aisle, to marry his wife, Audrey. She made sure every guest was welcomed with hand-stenciled welcome bags with painted pineapples on them, filled with local Hawaiian goodies she loved. Becky also hosted a beautiful rehearsal luncheon with kukui nut leis for each guest, individual personalized menus and an amazing local Hawaiian food selection. She also loved her “grand dog” Kahana. They shared a special bond and loved to go on walks and cuddle on the couch. Both Steve and Becky were excited to hear the news that they were expecting grandparents to their first grandson, Kamden, in early 2022.
Becky is survived by her mother Erma, husband Steve, son Carson (Audrey) & grandson Kamden who is due any day, brother Harlyn (Jane) as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her father Herman.