Rebecca (Becky) Jean McPeake, age 62, of Benton, AR, passed away peacefully Friday, May 2nd, 2025, at her home surrounded by family. Becky was born June 16, 1962, in Jefferson City, MO, daughter of Glendall and Doris Stout. She was a 1980 graduate of Jefferson City High School. She later received her B.S. in Wildlife Management from the University of Missouri, M.S. in Wildlife Education from Michigan State University, and Ph.D. in Human Dimensions of Wildlife from Texas A&M University. She was united in marriage to Stanley R. McPeake in Little Rock, AR on August 21, 1999. They were blessed with 25 years of marriage.

Becky has always loved animals and music. Growing up, she enjoyed observing wildlife and playing her cello in the Jefferson City Symphony Orchestra. After receiving her formal education, Becky worked at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service to educate the public on Arkansas wildlife. Much of her life's work was spent developing wildlife education programs for youth and researching solutions to Arkansas's invasive feral hog problem. Outside of her work, Becky also enjoyed raising Dutch rabbits for show at county and state fairs.

As a loyal servant of God, Becky gave much of her time and talent by serving others. She was heavily involved with Salem United Methodist Church, volunteering her help at various church events, soup kitchens, and mission projects. She also loved playing the cello during church services.

She is survived by her husband, Stanley of Benton, AR; son, Jared of Cabot, AR; daughter, Julia of Benton, AR; mother, Doris Stout (Glendall) of Jefferson City, MO; and brother, Bradley Stout (Shirley) of Centertown, MO.

Becky was preceded in death by her father, Glendall Stout.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. in the Ashby Chapel, with Reverend Dan Read officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to her favorite charities, including the Arkansas 4-H Foundation, CJCOHN in Benton, AR, or Salem United Methodist Church in Salem, AR.