Rebecca Ann Engels, age 44, of Brady, Nebraska passed away unexpectedly at her parent's home in Tryon, on August 2, 2025.

She was born the only daughter on August 15, 1980 to Lyle and Peggy (Phillips) Pendergast in the Osmond, Nebraska hospital.  The family lived in Plainview, NE until 1985 when they moved to Wyoming and bought the Green River Guest Ranch.  It was here that her parents saw her thrive, making friends with people from all over the world.  After a brief move to Texas, the family returned to Pinedale, WY, and Becky graduated high school there in 1998.  Upon receiving her high school diploma, Becky moved to Arizona and completed schooling to receive her LPN, a career that she was passionate for.

Becky met Mat Engels, Jr., while working in Arizona.  The couple moved to Nebraska in 2007  and were married on December 5, 2008.  Together, they raised two daughters and a son, Megan, Kailey, and Ryan.  Becky practiced her LPN license at Centennial Park Retirement Village and most recently, North Platte Care Center.  She was not only a caretaker, but also a friend to the residents, often sitting at the bedsides of those that did not receive visitors.  Becky, herself, struggled with health issues most of her life and often joked that she needed her own wing at the hospital. She was the definition of a true "mama bear", jumping to protect her kids if someone even looked at them in a way Becky did not approve of.  Practically living in a hospital room did not hinder her ability to be an active mother; her eldest child spent every prom and homecoming dance getting ready in her mom's hospital room, memories that will be cherished forever.  Becky was fiercely loyal to her family and friends and adored her animals, especially her horses, cats, dogs, and goats.  If she could, she would have taken home every animal from the shelter.  A gathering could not be complete without her presence; she was always the life of the party and fun to conversate with, always having something to say, without sugar coating it.

Preceding her in death are her grandma and grandpa Phillips; grandma Pendergast; uncles, Billy and Larry; cousin, Tyler Pendergast.

She is survived by her husband, Mat Engels; children, Megan (Gabe) Coon, Kailey Engels, and Ryan Engels; parents, Lyle and Peggy Pendergast; brothers, Clint, Bart, and Robert Pendergast; uncle, Bobby Phillips; several other family members and tons of friends.

Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. A private celebration of Becky's life will be held at a future date.  Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.