10/03/2025
It would seem that Becky F., a Columbus Grove native, has lived a life unlike many of her contemporaries.
Perhaps her unusual background is the reason for her wanderlust. She is almost always the first resident in Assisted Living to sign up for outings.
Becky seems happiest when she is at her busiest -and she tries to attend almost all of the activities offered.
Her background is unique.
All those years ago it was fate that brought a young OSU educated veterinarian to Putnam County, Ohio-and divine providence that had him fall in love with an Oakwood girl.
Clyde and Bessie Mae (née C.) F. would marry -and together they would build a family, a business, and harness racing as a sport.
As president and as secretary, the two served on various racing, agricultural, and fair boards. Clyde’s vision for harness racing established its integrity and shaped the trajectory of the sport.
Becky, the oldest of their three children, recalls growing up in colorful circumstances. Her father, a friendly and caring man, was a respected Columbus Grove veterinarian. He specialized in large breed, farm animals -but also served the needs of dogs, cats -and other small animals.
Her mother, once lead librarian at Marathon Oil, ultimately chose the role of homemaker and of bookkeeper for her husband’s practice.
Becky fondly remembers her mom’s delicious meals, especially her pork chops and potatoes. She loved Sundays as her mother’s skills as a baker filled the home with the aroma of cinnamon-y apple pies and buttery breads.
Whenever possible, Becky was allowed to tag along with her dad on his “house calls” to farms. Every day was a new adventure, and a study in the day-to-day life of a rural animal doctor.
Becky did more than accompany her dad, though. Sometimes she provided a second pair of hands, helping with all aspects of livestock and domesticated animal care. Once she even helped deliver a c**t.
Becky remembers the thrill of observing new life
-and the sorrow of witnessing loss. Clyde tried to shield his young daughter from the harsher realities of his profession, but as an observant child, Becky learned early on the realities of life and death. She remains profoundly grateful for this time in her life -and misses the days when her parents were alive and the family was all together. She misses the years of being her dad’s sidekick.
Of all the animals Becky was exposed to,though, it would be chickens and roosters that traumatized her the most. With their loud squawking and erratic movements, they were too unpredictable. She laughs when she recalls running to the car and rolling up the windows whenever she heard clucking or crowing nearby.
Although the family resided in town, they owned farmland nearby where they kept a stable and bred and raised a number of Standardbred horses that were overseen and driven by various trainers.
Becky gladly helped with their care -and tended the nearby gardens with her mom. They were always accompanied by a barn cat.
Those horse races provided an alternate reality and outside friendships for the local veterinarian and his family. Weekends were often spent at racetracks in Ohio and beyond, as they cheered on their horses and enjoyed each other’s company.
Becky’s love of everything equine continues to define her. Whenever possible she still attends the races her father started at the Putnam County Fair. She plants herself in front of the television for the Kentucky Derby and other races.
Becky’s entire family enjoyed the myriad adventures and benefits of Clyde and Bessie Mae’s many affiliations.
Her father’s oversight and membership in The Ohio Exposition Commission offered the family incredible opportunities and perks. Once, they met the cast of “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Becky’s youngest sister was motioned over to the set -and crawled into “Ella Mae’s” lap during the meet and greet that followed. The actress later sent her an autographed picture.)
Each trip the children were gifted so many ride tickets they ended up distributing them among their Columbus Grove classmates.
There exists nothing bragaddocious in Becky’s sharing of such experiences; she looks back on her younger life with a mix of wonderment and nostalgia.
Columbus Grove High School brought new distractions for Becky. The school’s consolidation with Vaughnsville delivered new friends that joined Becky’s circle. Football games and other activities carved away a bit at some of the weekend horse-related trips.
Beyond high school Becky recalls attending an OSU vs. Michigan game early in their rivalry.
After a brief stint at the telephone office, Becky plied her parents’ work ethic at a factory in nearby Ottawa. Her thirty years at Philips Philips had her lifting heavy picture tubes- and later overseeing their inspection.
Becky’s greatest challenge was adjusting to shift changes, and after a stint on third shift -she gladly accepted the opportunity to retire early.
Along the way she cheered on Dale Earnhardt -and added NASCAR racing to her repertoire of sports. She and her friends enjoyed the friendly competition of fantasy drafts.
Along the way, Becky traveled to different states, including Oregon, Florida, and Hawaii. Although she never married, Becky busied herself attending sporting events and other extra curricular activities in which her nieces and nephews participated.
After the loss of both of their parents, the sisters kept family traditions such as Christmas parties going.
In retrospect Becky is proud of the life she made for herself. She misses the beautiful home she had built along Plum Creek. She smiles as she recalls a quiet evening when she had a chance encounter with two deer as she tended her yard.
Becky F. remains the same positive and involved person she always was. Her eyes sparkle
and she smiles as she shares vivid memories of her past. She leans in and savors the stories others share.
Each morning at breakfast she invariably looks up to greet visitors, staff, and fellow residents. Always one to find humor in the unexpected, she could easily be crowned “Queen of the double take.” Her reactions are often comical. When flabbergasted or amused, she rears back her head, blinks in disbelief-and wide-eyed with surprise - flashes her trademark grin and delivers her startled reaction.
Such spontaneous enthusiasm invites joy into the simplest moments and exchanges. It helps set the tone for life here.
Becky F. Is an animal lover, proud daughter, and a loving sister and aunt.
She can also add “loyal friend” to her story.
She is her father’s daughter, after all.