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PROVO — Funeral services were held Friday for former Utah House Speaker Becky Lockhart, who died Saturday following a diagnosis of a rare, untreatable brain illness.
It was a solemn day at an LDS Chapel in Provo. In a 90-minute service, Becky Lockhart's family, friends, colleagues in the Utah Legislature and members of Utah's Congressional Delegation joined together to honor her, not only as speaker of the house, but as a wife and mother as well.
Lockhart was a longtime resident of Provo, and it was the district that she represented in the House since 1999 — the past four years as House Speaker and the first woman to hold that office in the state.
Following the service, there was a short procession to the cemetery. Lockhart's casket was carried by a horse-drawn hearse driven by former Rep. Bill Wright.
“The tradition of the horses add something to a funeral; adds a nice touch,” Wright said.
Wright believes Lockhart's influence and example in Utah politics won't be forgotten.
"I thought she exemplified a lot of courage on many occasions when I was working with her on tough issues, with her discernment and when she found an issue that was correct she was very firm," he said. "Even at the risk of not being very popular, she did some really courageous things."
Those who attended the service said it was a beautiful tribute to her. Among them was Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah).
“She passed away far too young — 46 years old — but what she was able to accomplish as the first female Speaker of the House that is the kind of thing you want you daughters to look at. It was a great service, and she will be missed," Chaffetz said.
Lockhart is survived by her parents, her husband and their three children.
She was laid to rest in the Provo Cemetery.
*In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be directed to the Rebecca D. Lockhart Endowed Scholarship for students at the Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University. Donations may be made online, here.
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit or donation you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
