Rebecca "Becky" L. Douthett Herd, 58, of Harrison Township, Mich., was surrounded by family and friends in her home on Dec. 2 when she finally lost her courageous nine-year battle with cancer.

Becky was born in Connoquenessing to Benjamin L. and Katherine M. Douthett. She graduated from Slippery Rock State College in 1975 with a bachelor's in health and physical education. While at Slippery Rock, she was an all-American swimmer, qualifying for the Olympic trials for the United States swim team in 1976. She married John Herd on July 24, 1976, and together they raised three strong and beloved children. Becky dedicated her life to serving others. She coached the Macomb Community College swim team from 1978 to 1981, and the varsity girls soccer team at L'Anse Creuse High School for a number of years, including coaching the school's first championship team in 2001. She taught physical education at Brownell Middle School in Grosse Pointe, Mich., for many years before going to Grosse Pointe South High School, where she taught social studies.

Becky Herd was loved by all for her adventurous spirit, positive attitude and appetite for fun and laughter. She was a loving mother, who fully enjoyed every opportunity to play with her children and grandsons. She was an unfailingly generous and loyal friend, neighbor and colleague. She will be remembered for her energy and creativity, as one who was always busy doing something (gardening, baking, sewing and crafts) and always in the spirit of helping others.

She is survived by her husband, Jack; son, Trevor of Portland, Ore.; daughter, Heather (Andy) Bish of Lucinda; son, Kyle of Ferndale, Mich.; and her grandchildren, Logan and Liam Bish. She also is survived by her mother, Katie; sisters, Lorraine Douthett of Forrest Hills and Cindy Tolfa of Aliquippa; and brother, Daniel Douthett of Greenville, Pa. She is predeceased by her father, Benjamin; brother, Douglas; and sister, Tracy Douthett-Moore.

This was published in the Butler Eagle on Dec 21, 2011.