Becky (Spangler) Wax

Becky Spangler Wax peacefully passed into eternity with family at her side and her beloved Lake Sara in her view. Home was the perfect place from which Mom entered Heaven because one of her greatest gifts was making a house a home. Mom ran a tight ship, often crediting herself as a drill sergeant, but she was the heart of our home. She created warmth and memories through her decorative touch, hearty cooking, and welcoming spirit. Mom had a gift of hospitality. Whether visiting missionaries from church, salesmen at the door, or our friends, everyone was always welcome at our table. Mom was also legendary for hosting the best slumber parties for our birthdays with her homemade pizza and games. Her birthday was Christmas Day of 1945, and she made every Christmas magical with tradition, elegance, and a touch of indulgence.

Born in Bedford, Indiana, Becky was the second daughter of John and Esther Bickenheuser Spangler. She and her sister, Nancy, were raised with grandparents as neighbors on their Black Angus farm. After Nancy married Ron Ritter, Becky and her mother moved to Decatur, Illinois, where she graduated from MacArthur High School. Though a difficult transition, it led her to Eastern Illinois University where she attended class and noticed a very handsome man sporting a flattop. As the professor called roll, she knew she’d never forget his name. That day, she asked Wally Wax out for a date and he happily accepted. They married on August 21, 1965, followed by a weekend honeymoon in Effingham. Becky obtained two Master’s Degrees and held licenses for business education, special education, and library/technology sciences. Mom was first and foremost a wife, mother, and grandmother, but her head for business and talent in art developed into owning ‘Becky’s Country Cupboard,’ where she sold craft supplies, miniatures, and taught toll and decorative painting. Later, she supported her love of Longaberger by being a representative for the company and passing that love on through her family. But it was her love and advocacy of her special needs students that I most admire about our Mom. She stood up for her students when they were marginalized; she loved them and made sure they knew their worth.

Wally and Becky’s oldest daughter, Deborah Holifield, welcomed Mom into Heaven. Deborah’s son, Caleb Holifield, lives in Knoxville, Tennessee. Kimberly and her husband, Troy Rund, and their daughters and son-in-law, Elizabeth Rund, and Katherine and Dalton Neal, reside in Tuscola. Andrea and Brian Gallagher are raising their three girls, Norah, Ryleigh, and Brianna in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Michael and Rebecca Wax have two sons, Logan and Gavin, and live in North Port, Florida.

Burial for family and friends will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 11, 2026 in the Tuscola Township Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM at the Eagle Mountain Assembly of God, 401 East Sale Street, Tuscola, IL; Rev. Darin Elder will officiate. There will be a time to visit with the family following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.