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Rebecca Ann Schamber

Rebecca Ann Schamber, 73, passed away peacefully on August 27th, 2024. Her family shared her final days by her side singing to her, praying with her and sharing messages with her from those who loved her. She no doubt felt the immense love and peace that surrounded her as she was welcomed into heaven. Rebecca “Becky” Schamber was born on September 20, 1950, in Eunice, Louisiana to Sidney and Harriet Schamber. One of four siblings, she spent her early years in Port Arthur, Texas, eventually settling with her family in Oaklandon, Indiana. Rebecca graduated from Lawrence Central High School, then attended Ball State University, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Following graduation, she accepted her first teaching position in Salem, Indiana. She had no idea what was in store for her, but she was excited to start her career and become vitally active in the community she would call home. Becky was a devoted Special Education Teacher for the South Central Area Special Education Co-op at Salem High School for 37 years, receiving the Outstanding Service Award in 2003 (SCASEA). She was greatly involved within the Washington County community where she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Salem, teaching Sunday School; leading numerous Bible studies, both within the church and throughout the community; volunteering with the youth group as a leader; serving on various committees and singing in the Chancel Choir. Her faith and her First Baptist family were extremely important parts of her life. Becky had a passion for teaching and was a lifelong learner herself. As a servant leader she spent years sharing with others, guiding them on their own walks of faith. She volunteered her time with several organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Washington County Farmers and Artisans, among others. Everyone who knew Becky knew she loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. She could often be found in the kitchen at First Baptist preparing youth donation dinners, a favorite being her legendary spaghetti. Her love of cooking and culinary skills led her to jointly open a restaurant, Victoria Gardens, with her sister and brother-in-law, Jenny and Chris Bundy. Years later, she continued to share her love of cooking through cooking classes at the popular Christie’s On the Square in Salem. Many of her “students” still hold her recipes dear. Her cheesecakes were some of her family’s favorites, particularly her lemon cheesecake. Another of Becky’s most treasured activities was serving as House Manager of Spring Mill Summer Stock Theatre from 1977-1991. She so enjoyed live theatre and Broadway show tunes and considered it a treat to spend her summers there working in the theater, the musical “Quilters” being one of her favorites. Many lifelong friendships were formed there as well. Becky loved to travel, visiting many countries over her lifetime with Ireland, Italy and France being among her favorites. She particularly loved visiting many inspirational cathedrals. Through those travels and her personal spiritual journey, she became interested in labyrinths, ultimately studying and becoming a labyrinth facilitator once again using her knowledge and gifts to teach others the depth of her faith. Becky was many things to many people…daughter, sister, friend, teacher, coworker, Bible study leader, Sunday School teacher, facilitator, volunteer, cook and mentor, but her most treasured role was that of aunt and great-aunt, lovingly known as “Auntie.” The way she loved and cherished her nieces and nephews is a legacy that is unmatched. Her pride and joy for her people was a gift and those who were lucky enough to be on the receiving end are truly blessed. Becky is survived by her sister, Jennifer (Schamber) Bundy and her husband, Chris; her brother, Rick Schamber; as well as her niece, Sarah Kruer and her husband, Andrew; her nephews Seth Bundy, Zach Bundy and his wife, Patricia; as well as her pride and joy, her great nieces and nephews, Benjamin, Liam, Owen, Rilyn, Ofelia and Luca. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sid and Harriet Talmadge Schamber and brother, Larry Neal Schamber. There will be a Celebration of Life honoring Rebecca on Saturday, September 28th at 11am at the First Baptist Church in Salem, Indiana. The family invites all who knew and loved Becky to come and celebrate her beautiful life and the impact she had on so many. They request that you come ready to sing and to share stories to honor our precious friend, sister, aunt and Auntie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Washington County Community Foundation or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.