Rebecca Lea (Grinnell) Loving

Rebecca Lea Grinnell Loving passed away peacefully in her home on June 10, 2025. She was born November 23, 1951, in San Bernardino, California to Earl Jr. and JoAnn Grinnell. Rebecca was a graduate of Shawnee High School before attending Oklahoma State University and then graduated from East Central University in Nursing. While at East Central she met her husband of 52 years, Gary L. Loving. Rebecca later received a Masters of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma. Rebecca and Gary lived in Shawnee, Oklahoma for nearly 50 years where they raised their three sons.
As an enrolled member of the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri, Rebecca was immensely proud of her family's heritage and encouraged extended family members to continue their involvement in the future business of the tribe. She attended and actively participated in the Annual General Council meetings and was instrumental in authorizing policy updates to advance various programs for tribal members such as higher adult education and health assistance.
In 1975, Rebecca began a long and distinguished career as a nurse, nurse educator, nurse leader and health care executive. She was passionate in all she did and advocated for patients, her staff, and the nursing field in general. Over the course of her career before retiring in 2019, she was the recipient of awards at the Area and National levels recognizing her numerous contributions to the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives. She was also honored in 2009 for her achievements with the Regents' Award for Distinguished Alumni from the University of Oklahoma. In each of her leadership roles, Rebecca exhibited strength, resolve and an intense desire to do the right thing.
Rebecca was a master gardener and a golfer. She was passionate about family and served as an integral part of her family of origin and the Grinnell extended family. She loved time with family at the lake, on the golf course, on the ski slopes, or wherever brothers, sisters, sons, grandchildren and other family members gathered. Known to her four granddaughters as "Nim", she shared a special bond with each of them.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Earl Jr. and JoAnn Grinnell, paternal grandparents, Earl Sr. and Ethel Grinnell, and maternal grandparents Kenny and Barbara Gilland.
She is survived by her husband Gary, her son Patrick and wife Jamie of Shawnee, her son Eric and husband Ken of Oklahoma City, and her son Adam and wife Liz of Austin, Texas, and four grandchildren, Brooklyn, Bailey, Charlotte and Isabelle. She is also survived by three brothers, Randy and Kim Grinnell of Edmond, Richie and Paula Grinnell of Meeker, Ron and Leslie Grinnell of Stuart, and sister Roxann Grinnell of Eufaula, as well as a large group of nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements are with McElyea and Owens Funeral Services in Shawnee. A memorial service will be at Sharon Baptist Church, 19002 Gordon Cooper Dr, Shawnee Oklahoma, on Saturday June 14 at 1:30 p.m. For those wishing to make a charitable contribution in her honor, you may do so to the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank.

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