Obituary of Rebecca Gonzales Cutler

Rebecca Gonzales Cutler was born to German and Mamerta (Ostalono) Gonzales in Tinambacan, Samar Province, Philippines, on October 26, 1939.  Rebecca peacefully took the hand of Jesus on December 26, 2021. She lived 82 years loving her Lord.

In her early years Rebecca was greeted each morning with the words of hymns sung by her beloved mother Enay, which was the name she lovingly called her. Rebecca was nurtured in a Christian home from birth with 11 brothers and sisters as well as many missionaries travelling through the Philippines. Through her mother’s example and teaching, she developed her deep love for Jesus. This love was shared with those around her throughout her life. She remembers her time during the Japanese occupation; her farther passed away during the occupation.  A favorite memory was venturing into the mangrove with her sister Zenaida and two cousins looking for wild fruits.

In 1961, Charles Cutler, while serving in the Navy, was given Rebecca’s name by her brother. They became pen pals and soon after met this beautiful woman in person. This was the start of a love story that lasted over 59 years here on Earth. They were married in 1962 in Quezon City, Philippines before travelling to Illinois to start their married life. Rebecca loved learning new things; she was the first student in her Medical Terminology class to totally ace the class even though this was not her native language. In later years, she loved simple things like growing flowers, watching the birds outside her window, experiencing the changes in seasons, and singing memorable songs. But most of all, she loved her family which was her greatest source of pride. She loved the life she shared with her husband and four children, Mark, Toni, Carol and Philip. She enjoyed sharing stories of their adventures together as well as their accomplishments throughout life, often while gathered around a table enjoying a wonderful meal that only she could prepare. Her love and pride continued to grow as grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived. She lived a full life filled with love and laughter.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, nine brothers and sisters and her baby daughter, Carmencita. She will be greatly missed by her husband Charles, her children Mark (Kelly), Toni (Kevin), Carol (Louis), Philip (Eloisa); her 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation at Flahiff Funeral in Homedale, Idaho from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2021. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 7, 2021 at Homedale Baptist Idaho Church in Homedale, ID. followed by a brief graveside service at Fargo Cemetery in Wilder, ID.