Becky Sietsema

Although the days of Becky Sietsema numbered far less than many are given, she taught others so many lessons in strength, grace, and the true meaning of courage. She was a young girl who always loved adventure and never shied away from a challenge, even when faced with the fight for her life. Becky made more of the moments that she was given throughout her 17 years than so many dare dream of, and it was in these moments that she touched the hearts of so many. Becky was such a special girl to those that knew and loved her, her flame extinguished much too soon. During a year in which the compact disc surpassed the cassette tape as the preferred medium for recorded music, The Silence of the Lambs won an Academy Award, and Jay Leno took his seat on the Tonight Show, culture within America was rapidly changing. The year was 1992 and it was also a year to celebrate for Paul and Lori (Ritter) Sietsema as they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Becky Lynn, on June 17th in Muskegon, Michigan. Becky joined older sister Elsie in her family and with Beckys birth, their family of four was complete. Her parents welcomed Becky on her mothers 30th birthday and they brought her to their loving home on Edgewater Street. Beckys parents purchased an old farmhouse on 80 acres of land on Buys Road and her father spent three years remodeling the old farmhouse while they remained in their home on Edgewater. Finally the house was ready to suit their family perfectly and they moved in when Becky was three years old. That was also the same year that Becky started preschool. The memories within the Sietsema family began from the moment Becky was born. Like so many young children, Becky had a favorite blankie that accompanied her everywhere. She enjoyed rubbing the silk edges as she sucked her thumb, so much so, that she wore the edges off on more than one occasion leaving the blanket in need of repair. Their family was a close knit group who enjoyed being together, often doing the simple things like playing board games or watching movies. They also had a number of close family friends with whom they often gathered and socialized. The Sietsema family loved spending time at their family cottage on Diamond Lake located in the center of Newaygo County. Together they enjoyed swimming and fishing, but also being outdoors and most importantly, being together. Even from a young age Becky was full of life. She loved being outdoors and was very rambunctious. On one occasion, their family was preparing to leave for Niagara Falls but just the day before they left, Becky was running through the neighbors cottage and slipped on a rug, leaving her with a broken arm. When Becky was about 11 years old she and her mother took a trip to West Virginia with her sister Elises Girl Scout Troop to go white water rafting. Her sense of adventure took hold again when the guide asked for a volunteer to ride in a single raft called a ducky, Becky was the first to volunteer, much to her mothers dismay! Along with white water rafting, Becky was fortunate enough to experience rock climbing on the trip as well. When she wasnt off having an adventure, Becky enjoyed additional interests. She always loved dressing up, especially for Halloween, and she also loved to do puzzles and watch action packed movies that portrayed the heroine as strong and independent. Beckys favorite foods were both fettuccine Alfredo and strawberries, and she had a special cat named Cady. She enjoyed fish and had some goldfish of her own. Becky was always fascinated by saltwater fish but never had the opportunity to get an aquarium of her own. One of her most treasured times was when she went to Shedds Aquarium in Chicago with her parents and close friend, Chris Ackerman. Becky also greatly appreciated art and was even learning how to create pottery before she died. Life drastically changed for Becky and her family when her battle with cancer began in April of 2007. The final diagnosis was in fact quite a shock as she was dealing with what they thought was just a swollen knee in need of a few exercises that presented no cause for concern. As the swelling continued it led to an MRI, later showing osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Becky had a port placed and began chemotherapy on May 16th that year. When given the option of losing her leg as a form of treatment, that was the farthest thing from her mind. She chose to save her leg by having a limb spare procedure using an endoprostesis and continuing with chemotherapy. After her last chemotherapy treatment in May of the following year, Becky felt great and as though she had conquered her greatest rival. Becky then continued on with her life, happy to resume her days as a student at Reeths-Puffer High School where she played the flute in the Symphonic Band. She continued to enjoy the beauty she found within flowers, especially roses, orchids, love-in-a-mist, calla lilies and dahlias. When awarded a shopping trip by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Becky picked out a camera since she loved taking pictures. Sadly in February of this year, they found that Beckys cancer returned and had spread to her lungs. A second opinion was needed so she set off to Texas with her mom to visit MD Anderson. While in Texas, they pursued additional treatment options and upon returning to Muskegon, she started a treatment of both chemotherapy and radiation. At that point, it became her goal to make it to the prom - a goal that came to fruition with her sister and two friends by her side. Soon after prom, it was found that this time the treatment did not end up being enough. The tumors had progressed too rapidly and Beckys body finally succumbed to the fight. Becky Sietsema was a strong, passionate, and caring young girl who was often particular about the way she liked things. She was always paticular about her appearance and the way her cancer affected her looks was often difficult for her to accept. Although sometimes life got the best of her, Becky didnt usually stay down for very long. She was a courageous young woman who never gave up her fight to live. Becky will be dearly missed. Becky L. Sietsema of Muskegon died on Sunday, November 1, 2009. Beckys family includes her parents, Paul & Lori Sietsema; sister, Elsie Sietsema; grandparents, Bob & Grace Sietsema, Marjorie Ritter; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Lawrence Ritter. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 6, 2009, 11:00 a.m. with visitation at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with Pastor Karen Biggerstaff officiating. Visit with Beckys family and friends on Thursday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon location Muskegon, MI, and again on Friday, 1 hour prior to the service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial donation to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital for Cancer Research.