Rebecca Louise McKnight Braun

Rebecca Louise McKnight Braun, 97, died on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at her home, with family, following a month-long illness. She was born in East Liverpool, OH on February 6, 1926, daughter of the late Rev. Dr. W. J. Harper and Helen H. (Harbison) McKnight. Her husband of 61 years, Rev. Richard W. Braun, preceded her in death in 2007; sister, Iola M. Rogers in 2013; also two sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law and one nephew.

Becky grew up in Kenmore, NY.  After graduating Clarksville High School, TN in 1944 she attended Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA, her parents’ alma mater.  Upon her fiancé’s return from serving in WW II, Becky and Dick married August 31,1946 on campus at Wallace Chapel before heading to Dakota Wesleyan, Mitchell, SD for her third year, and her husband to complete his degree. Becky returned to Westminster earning her B. A. degree while Dick, called into the ministry, entered Pittsburgh-Xenia Theological Seminary.  Joining him in 1948 she worked at Alcoa until his graduation and first pastorate in Blairsville, PA., then onto St. Louis, MO where in addition to congregational life, Becky and Dick began their most important journey as a young family. Some of their fondest memories as a family were summers spent at Massanetta Springs Bible Conference, Harrisonburg, VA.

Becky’s life was one of compassionate, grace-filled service - to God, her husband and children, congregational members, friends and community. She found meaning and joy in devotion to her faith and family:  a pastor’s child growing up in church, becoming a pastor’s wife, mom and homemaker, teaching Sunday School, Bible study, Presbyterian Women's leader, organist, choir member, handbell ringer, Deacon, and assisting her husband at pastorates in Pennsylvania, Missouri, then Youngstown, OH from 1962 where she was an active 39-year member at John Knox Presbyterian Church. Following her husband’s retirement Becky joined Westminster Presbyterian Church in 2001 where she served on Board of Deacons, in the choir, and with Circle of Love. Becky also worked at Mahoning County Health & Human Services, retiring in 1991.

Over the years, Becky was known for her personalized notes and other correspondence, which she drafted and revised by hand before transcribing onto specially selected cards and stationery in her distinctive handwriting. In her 80s and 90’s, partly because of recovery and rehabilitation from medical events, Becky embraced more exercise and outdoor activity enjoying YMCA programs, area parks - especially Mill Creek, her own gardens, and walking community. A life-long avid reader and learner, she delighted in expanding her knowledge and scope of understanding until her last days. 

Becky loved her family deeply, and is survived by her two children, Richard Harper Braun (Fran) and Elizabeth Louise Braun; her grandchildren Trevor Harper Braun (Kate) and Marisa E. Braun; her great-granddaughter McKinley Harper Braun; and her sister Cynthia M. Reed (David, M.D.).  She also leaves sister-in-law Norma L. Files; three nieces, and five nephews.  Becky’s family is profoundly blessed because of the gift she was to all of us, as well as to those whose lives she impacted.  Her family and friends will remember Becky for her kindness, generosity, her beautiful, welcoming smile, engaging personality, ease with whomever she met, sharp mind, and joyful spirit.  She was a gentle force.