Rebecca Ann (Zegeer) Gouge, 63, passed away Sunday, February 24, 2019, at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, N.Y., after a long illness.
There will be calling hours for her on Saturday, June 8th, from 12 until 2pm at the T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton.
Born in Charleston, W.Va., January 13, 1956, she was the daughter of Harry Soloman Zegeer and Mary Frances (McCarus) Zegeer. Rebecca graduated from Charleston High School and continued her education at WVU where she received her degree in Psychology. She then began working as a Preschool Teacher and also served as an Intake Coordinator at a children’s home.
Rebecca met Kary L. Gouge in Charleston, W.Va. The couple married and became residents of Clayton, N.Y., in 1985. Rebecca spent years developing programs in Jefferson county and was influential in the hospitality and tourism industry for 1000 Islands. Rebecca and Kary are most known for opening the first video rental store in Jefferson County in 1985, which served 21 locations.
Rebecca will be remembered as a free spirit who was always ready to help a neighbor. She was a “seeker of possibilities” and embraced the belief that “Life is Eternal.”
Rebecca was preceded in death by her husband, Kary Gouge (1998) and her parents. She is survived by her brothers, John, Paul and Richard and their families.
A Memorial Service was held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Charleston, on Saturday, March 30.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Patchwork / Daymark, 1592 Washington St. E., Charleston, WV 25311, in memory of Rebecca (Zegeer) Gouge.
gail d christensen
We are so saddened by this news, a wonderful lady and friend. Walt & Gail Christensen
Alice and George Barton
We are so sorry of the passing of our dear friend Becky. She was a lovely lady and was cherish by so many. God bless you Becky.
Heidi Bock
Becky was like a favorite Auntie to me. We always said we were connected spiritually & I truly believe that. Not only was she kind & gracious, Becky was incredibly intelligent. We’d talk for hours about different religions, politics, spirituality & even different conspiracy theories. My heart is broken. I will never forget her, the laughs we shared or the love she showed me through the years. This earth lost a true angel.
Joan Senkowicz
The world is a little colder place without her. She was a lovely person
Mark Husson
Becky was my dearest childhood friend. She always managed a smile as we sat on the porch behind the hardware store where she would sneak a break from the chores she was assigned to do. She had an indomitable spirit and fierce loyalty to the people she loved. Rest in peace, Dear Woman. I know Cary will be happy to hold you again.
Keith Jones
Becky was one of the most wonderful person I ever met. Having 57 years of memories is the only thing that will get me through this. She touched everyone she met. RIP dear friend!
Patsy and Brian parker
She was a great friend who you loved to have around. RIP Becy. You will greatly missed. Patsy and Brian Parker
Candy Cassis
My gal pal forever! Bec will always be remembered for her kindness and free spirit! She gave of herself with no ending, never expected to be repaid. I’ve known her all of my life and was blessed to be her friend! You will always be remembered, loved and missed more than words can express! I love you, rest now. You never got to where you wanted to be here on earth but you got to where you wanted to be with your loves in heaven…Cary and Frances. My heart breaks every day, every moment! Til we meet again my dear friend
Debbie Pendleton-Rhodes
I was truly blessed when I met Becky and we became friends. She was beautiful inside and out, as well as kind, caring, funny and loving to her friends. She had an infectious laugh and smile that lit up any room she was in. She taught me how to be a better person and for that, I will be forever grateful. I will never forget our train trip to DC for New Years and the premiere of “Star Wars.” That was one of the best and most fun weeks of my life You will be missed by everyone who knew and loved you. Rest in peace my forever friend.
Jo Cassis Hypes
John and family, sending our sincere condolences in the passing of your sister.
Carol McClish Fields
I am sorry to hear the loss of a childhood friend. Prayers for the family.
Vicki Moore
Shocked and deeply saddened, losing a friend like Becky. Always caring about others, always giving of herself, and always there in a time of need. She was beautiful, inside and out. So many good memories of this wonderful person, from the first time we met in the 7th grade until her last text, thanking me for a birthday wish in January. She leaves a void in my heart that only she could fill. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Tom Duffey
Condolences for Rebecca Ann Goude(Zegeer)…. I knew Becky at WVU,back in 1974-75…. I was a student there. She was a friendly,and kind person. Becky had a great taste in music,and was a good friend. Tom Duffey
Bill West
I am Bill West and this makes me so sad. Becky and I were good friends in High School. She was a great girl. We were in band together. WE saw each other about 5 years ago. That was the first time since graduation. Same great smile. So sorry for the family. God Bless you all.
Jill Zegeer
John, Paul & Richard Zegeer,
I was sorry to hear about Rebecca. My sympathy and prayers go out to you all.
Jill Zegeer Dunn
Carol Harless
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Becky. We grew up in the same neighborhood. Good memories
Tammy Byers
Becky was a shining light to those around her! I met her in the early 90’s when I took my toddlers into her Family Village Video Store in Clayton to rent my children VHS movies to watch. We became friends instantly. For those of you who were friends with her you can testify that from the moment you met you connected. She had that caring way about her. We later worked together at Thousand Islands Winery in Alex Bay for a couple years and I always looked forward to our talks. She had a big heart and cared very deeply. She was a pillar in the Clayton community for decades. She will be deeply missed. Heartfelt prayers to her family. Tammy Byers
Valerie Graziano
Becky was my “River Friend,” as I would call her. We met numerous times (food was always involved) at the River and in many other places. She was one of the most welcoming and tenacious human beings that I’ve ever met. I’ll never forget the time she invited us ( my daughter was then 9 then) to her house for dinner and set up a whole sundae bar for her! The many discussions we had about life will continue in another time and place. I will miss her smiling face and easy open way with people. I hold her in my heart and shall miss her every time that I get off Rt. 81 at the Clayton Exit.
Kelly Schnauber
For my Best Friend. I’m sure you are belly dancing and singing with Kary now. I sure do miss you. I’m happy for you. Now there is no more pain. I look forward to giggling with you again and meeting your new Angel friends. You are the most inspiring, gifted, and loving woman I’ve ever known. You made us all better human beings by your example. My children love you. I love you. Heaven is lucky to have you! Paul, I’m so thankful that Becky had you. She loved and respected you so much. Thank you for being with her in the most challenging time of her life. You are a true blessing to me. Peace be in your heart.
Susan Palmer
I am so sorry to have heard of the great loss of Rebecca. I had worked with Rebecca at a local hotel and it was such a pleasure for me. I enjoyed her and we worked together very well. She is missed.
Brian Gouge
My heart is saddened by this news.,Becky was truly a wonderful wife and mother..she will always remain in my memories as being a very ,positive,outgoing and loving woman..in my youth I had many problems and she never gave up on me..