Rebecca Diane Sittler Schrock

Rebecca Diane Sittler Schrock passed away peacefully at her home in Long Beach, California on January 10, 2026. She was born to Ed and Janice Sittler on November 11, 1974, in Grand Island, Nebraska. A lifelong learner, she gleaned organizational and public speaking skills from 4-H. She was known as the coolest sister and cousin a Midwestern kid could have. She loved directing them in dramas and skits and featuring them in her first photographs. After graduating from Grand Island Senior High, much to the chagrin of her father, after a brief foray into the lucrative field of actuary science, Rebecca decided to dedicate her life to the field of art. However, her mastery of spreadsheets continued to impress artists and university administrators alike throughout her life. She was both analytic “left-brained” and creative “right-brained”. Rebecca received her MFA from Massachusetts College of Art in 2003. She met her significant other, Aure, in Cambridge. The two moved together to Orlando for an Assistant Professor position at the University of Central Florida. The two were married in 2005, and in 2008, relocated to Long Beach, California where Rebecca joined the faculty at California State University, Long Beach, which she liked to say was the biggest art department in a public university west of the Mississippi. Rebecca and Aure welcomed daughter, Nora in 2009. She became the emotional core of their lives and Rebecca took great joy in staging and sharing photographs of her as a baby. Rebecca always considered coparenting Nora with Aure to be the most important thing she ever did. Professionally, Rebecca became widely known for her photographs of still life, particularly for her interest in interpreting the relationships between objects. Rebecca had a unique ability to capture the poetry of visual language through photography and had a knack of capturing the magic of light which infused every element in her photos with meaning. She loved taking pictures in the garage studio in Southern California where the hazy morning sun would filter in and reflect off mirrors artfully arranged. She was an outstanding teacher and was particularly proud of her enduring commitment to mentoring underserved young artists. In her free time, Rebecca was an avid tennis player, indoor plant gardener, and fan of absurd humor. Her personality reflected a can-do attitude, and a deep sense of spirituality and compassion. These qualities served her well as she made many enduring friendships. Rebecca’s legacy is proudly carried on by her loving partner, Aure, of nearly 25 years, and their daughter, Nora. She is also survived by her parents, Janice and Ed Sittler; sister, Regina Ambroz; nephew, Dalton; and niece, Lexi, all of Grand Island; Nancy and Richard Schrock; Erik and Annabel Schrock and sons. Many cousins, Ginger, Dawn, Tom, Ellie, Karl and Chris remember her fondly, as do Aunt and Uncle, Diane and Larry Gloystein and Aunts, Linda Luebbe and Janice Shuey. She was preceded in death by Uncle Jim Luebbe, Duane and Wanda Luebbe and cousin, Brian. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on February 27, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a sharing service at 7 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Home. Memorials to Grand Island Public School Foundation.

Rebecca Diane Sittler Schrock

November 11, 1974 - January 10, 2026

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Rebecca Diane Sittler Schrock

November 11, 1974 - January 10, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support