Rebecca (Becky) Sue Thayer Horvat – beloved wife, treasured mother and grandmother; loyal sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend; woman of extraordinary talents, gifts and courage – departed this life all too soon on May 6, 2026, at the age of 67. Becky had lived with Alzheimer’s disease for the past 12 years. Born in Grapevine, Texas, on October 17, 1958, Becky was the third of seven children of William and Nina Thayer. With her father’s job connected with the military, the Thayer family moved multiple times. Becky had great memories of life in the Philippines where a jungle in the backyard was her siblings’ playground. After graduating high school in Corpus Christi, Texas, Becky attended MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe, Kansas. Members of her extended family lived nearby, and the Midwest was a promising and welcoming place. Becky received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1982.

The summer of 1981 was a life-changer for Becky. Employed by the Environmental Protection Agency, she inspected air filters in Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department buildings. She caught the admiring eye of a young firefighter. It was love at first sight for Raymond George Horvat. Time, laughter and perseverance prevailed and soon, Becky was deeply in love with Ray as well. Becky and Ray married on June 5, 1982. Their support for one another has been the force that helped propel Becky’s many accomplishments. Early in their marriage, Becky entered a doctoral program in microbiology through the University of Kansas. That began her dedicated and productive association with the University of Kansas Medical Center. Becky spent 27 years first as a student and then as faculty in the Department of Pathology at the medical center and the Director of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology for the University of Kansas Hospital Laboratory. She applied her expertise in patient treatment decisions, infectious disease-related research, and the education of medical students. Countless physicians learned microbiology from Dr. Horvat. She gained the respect and trust of her peers, colleagues and co-workers.

In 1987 Becky and Ray welcomed their first-born daughter, Mikala Kristine. Katherine (Kate) Marie followed in 1989, and Raymond Joseph (RJ), in 1995. Becky and Ray juggled the demands of full-time careers while providing and nurturing a rich family life. Becky planned adventurous vacations – cruises, a road trip to Yellowstone National Park, Estes Park and more. She regularly presented her research at international pathology and microbiology conferences and often arranged for Ray or one of the children to join her on trips abroad. She cheered from the sidelines and applauded in the audiences in proud support of her children’s interests, accomplishments and achievements. She continued showing her love and pride in the many activities of her grandson Gabriel, who was born in 2017. Ever the scientist and analytical thinker, Becky was equally creative and talented as a seamstress, quilter, baker and flower gardener. She created quilts themed to the interests of the people for whom she made them. She sewed dresses for her daughters and costumes into the young adulthood of her children, and she designed stunning flower gardens.

Becky loved long walks and talks with her best friend Judy Brewer. She savored anything chocolate. Shopping for clothes and accessories was among her favorite pastimes. She was an avid fan of KU basketball. She enjoyed hosting family and friends at their home on Piper Lake. Becky had a big heart when it came to charitable giving and helping others. Early in her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s, Becky often said that she thought that people with other more life-threatening diseases had it worse than she did. She never let the disease define her. As the disease progressed, Becky maintained her smile and her glowing countenance and continued to recognize her family and friends. Her husband Ray was steadily at her side throughout this progression and was a fierce advocate for her care, supporting her through the toughest of times. The family acknowledges the caring concern of staff of The Piper where Becky resided since October 2024. Special kudos to the Elevate Hospice team for ensuring Becky’s comfort during her final days.

Becky is survived by her husband Raymond George Horvat; daughters Mikala Bruno (Jaime) and Kate Horvat; son, RJ Horvat; and grandchildren, Julia Bruno and Gabriel Bruno. She leaves behind her siblings Phillip (Norma), Doug (Joan), Wilma, and Priscilla (Steve); her Horvat sisters-in-law Therese, Bernadette and Monica; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Becky was pre-deceased by her parents, her brother Joseph and her maternal and paternal grandparents. Ray and family will host a Celebration of Life in loving memory of Becky on Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the auditorium of the former school at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4th and Barnett Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Donations in memory of Becky can be made to Harvesters and the Salvation Army.