Rebecca Leigh Fithen, a 12-year-old girl from Amarillo, Texas, tragically passed away on May 20, 2019. Rebecca was a 6th-grade student at Bonham Middle School and was known for her sweet and kind heart. She had a deep love for animals, especially her German Shepherd puppy, Bella. Rebecca aspired to become a veterinarian to care for animals. She enjoyed activities such as taking Bella on walks, giving her baths, and playing the cello.
Rebecca's favorite color was purple, and she loved mermaids, unicorns, and the cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants.
Rebecca's death was a result of a tragic and unexpected incident involving her father. On May 20, 2019, Rebecca was taken from this life by her father, who then set their house on fire and took his own life. This devastating event left Rebecca's mother, Dawn Fithen, with many unanswered questions and immense grief. Dawn had recently started a new job and was without any benefits or insurance, making the situation even more challenging for her.
The community rallied around Dawn, organizing fundraisers to help cover the funeral and living expenses. The tragic loss of Rebecca, a young girl with so much potential and a bright future, deeply affected her family, friends, and the entire community.