Mrs. Rebecca "Becky" Lynne (Tennyson) Roth-Nightingale, 83, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Riverpoint Health Care in Evansville, IN, following several months of failing health. Born September 25, 1941, in Olney, Illinois, to Levi and Elsie (Pflaum) Tennyson, Becky lived a life rich in love, service, and community.

She married Richard Roth on March 30, 1964, and together they shared a life filled with love until his passing in February 2001. Becky later married David Nightingale on May 17, 2002, who preceded her in death in April 2007.

A dedicated educator, Becky taught school after graduating college at SIU-C and began her teaching career in 1964, in Hinsdale, Illinois, and later at the Bend School south of Oblong, Illinois. Her passion for teaching impacted many young lives, leaving a lasting legacy in education.

Becky was an active member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Robinson, Illinois, and was involved with the American Association of University Women (AAUW). An avid Tennis Player, Golfer, Water Skier and monthly women’s Bridge group with friends, finding joy in the games and activities along with the camaraderie it brought over the years. Her contribution of support of her husband while establishing Kemper CPA Group as top 100 Accounting firm, is a lasting legacy for our region, while her love of her grand children as they came to the family brought her unbridled joy.

She is survived by her son, Martin (Lisa) Roth of Evansville, Indiana; daughter, Kerry Roth Zerla of Fishers, Indiana; stepson, Van Nightingale of California; and stepdaughter, Allison (Jim) Rush of Hawaii. Becky's grandchildren include Nick (fiancée Jessica DeWitt) Zerla, Levi Roth, Stephanie Roth, Laura (fiancée Evan Zolcak) Zerla, and Jennifer Zerla, as well as her step-grandchildren, Elizabeth Rush and Angela Rush of Hawaii. She is also survived by her brother, Larry (Evelyn) Tennyson of Streamwood, Illinois and Nephew Fred Tennyson of Ohio and a large extended family, including sisters-in-law Virginia (John) Resor of Olney, Illinois; Mary (Roth) Theriac of Indianapolis, Indiana; Anne (Ed) Pool in Paris, Illinois; Cathy (Allen) Dibelka of Jamal, California; Janet Clark of Robinson, Illinois; Chris Borah of Olney, Illinois; Becky (Willie) McKinney of Greenfield, Indiana; Margaret (Eric) King of Olney, Illinois; Carol (Terry) Luebbert of Creve Couer, Missouri; and brothers-in-law John (Diane) Roth of Olney, Illinois; Gerald (Sharon) Roth of Dickinson, Texas; and Mark (Shawny) Roth of Olney, Illinois. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Levi and Elsie Tennyson; her spouses, Richard Roth and David Nightingale; sisters-in-law Theresa Roth and Sharon Roth and brother-in-law Steve Roth, and Brother-in-LawMitch Theriac.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 5 to 7 PM at Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson, Illinois, followed by the Holy Rosary at 7 PM. Additional visitation will take place from 9:00 to 9:30 AM prior to the service on Friday, October 4, 2024, at10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Robinson, Illinois. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Olney, Illinois.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Richard J. Roth Scholarship for Excellence, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or the church.

Pulliam Funeral Home, Robinson, IL