Rebecca Kay Dayton, 90, passed away on May 16, 2023. Rebecca was born in Gowanda, NY on January 20, 1933, to Marian Porter and Allen Dayton. She is survived by her son Chris Johnson of Paonia, CO, son Victor Johnson and his wife Anna Romero-Johnson of Las Vegas, NM, son Nels Johnson and his wife Audrey Levine of Olympia, WA, granddaughter Kristen Johnson and children Aidan Jude and Luciana Kay of Las Vegas, NM, grandsons Silas Johnson and Alec Johnson both of Seattle, WA, granddaughter Marcy Noth and children Heidi and Emmett of Paonia, CO, grandson Tacho Montoya of Trinidad, CO, her brother David and his wife Mary Ellen Dayton and family of Hamlet, NY, and special friends: Lucille Joseph and family, Malcolm Ebright, and Tayka Raymond.
Rebecca was raised on a dairy farm in upstate New York. In the 1960s, Rebecca and her family moved to New Mexico. They settled in El Coyote near Guadalupita, NM where she raised her sons, farmed, and built her home. She was very active in the community, even becoming the Mayordoma of the Acequia de Los Cocas for many years. She was also an activist for social justice and attended many demonstrations.
Rebecca enjoyed gardening, sewing, reading, writing, quilting, and spending time with family and friends. All those who knew her would describe her as free-spirited, intelligent, self-sufficient, strong, opinionated, assertive, and kind.
A memorial will be held on Saturday, 5/20/2023 at 11:00 at the family cemetery in El Coyote.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to those who have offered condolences and special thanks to the staff who cared for Rebecca.
Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Ave Las Vegas, NM 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.