Georgia - Rebecca Ann Ryea, 78, died peacefully on March 30, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Rebecca was born on April 19, 1941 in Fairfax, the daughter of the late Earl and Inez (Hulbert) Cota. On December 7, 1960 she married Tommy Spear who predeceased her on July 10, 1969. She then married Leland J. Ryea Sr. on April 22, 1972.

She will be deeply missed by her husband Lee of Georgia, and their children Leland J. Ryea Jr. (Rose Marie) of Milton, Kimberly Sargent (Ron) of So. Burlington, Danny Ryea (Joanna) of Georgia, Sara Spear of Georgia, Darlene Ryea of Georgia, Michael Spear of Georgia, Debra Spear of Fairfax, Tammy Ryea of Georgia and Joanne Ryea of Burlington, by her 23 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her sisters and brothers Patricia Meader (Charles) of Middlebury, Arlo Cota (Joan) of Williston, Ralph Cota (Ann Marie) of Winooski, Susan Labbe (John) of Georgia, Earl Cota (Holly) of Hinesburg, brother-in-law Ted Richardson of Grand Isle and by her sister-in-law's Donna Ryea of Richford, Ethel Brousseau of Milton and Colleen Lavalette of Arizona.

Rebecca was predeceased by her sisters Annette Cota Warren and Roberta Richardson, and her son-in-law Rob Evans. Her brother-in-laws Eugene, Ira Jr., Bobby and Richard Ryea. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her father and mother-in-laws Ira and Kathleen Ryea and Wayne and Irene Spear.

Becky enjoyed reading, music, gardening-especially her flowers and traveling with her husband. She had a love for knitting, sewing and quilting with her special cousin Pat Jarvis and special friends Jane Reynolds and Judy Carpenter.

Mom was the matriarch of our family. She was a very loving and caring mother who raised 9 children passing on her love and joy of life. She was the center of our family and always someone you could count on for support of any kind. She will be truly missed by all.

A special thanks to Sheree Martel, Hannah Constanty, Stephanie Borts and Rebecca Guild of Franklin County Hospice and Home Health of St. Albans.

Becky's funeral service will be on Saturday August 22, 2020 at 11 am at St. Ann Catholic Church in Milton with Fr. John Feltz aa celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery.
For those who wish, online condolences may be made to www.minorfh.com