Rebecca Ann Barnett

On March 10, of 1974 the world was blessed with Rebecca Ann Barnett, a brilliant Sunflower in a field of roses, born in Phoenix Arizona, whom after dedicating over 25 years of her life as a patient advocate and shining her light on the lives of others, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, April 26th of 2023, at the early age of 49, in her home in Gilbert Arizona, after battling complications with breast cancer and other health conditions. The fragrant assortment of petals of her life included being a cherished wife to Ernie Amador, a devoted mother to her son David Qualls, a loving stepmother to her stepchildren Jacob Amador and Mellany Lopez, and daughter to Bruce Barnett and predeceased Cheryl Barnett.

The colors of her alacritous nature and compassion extended to her colleagues, patients, and family members alike, unconstrained and permanently adorning the memories of others. Starting at a young age and working multiple jobs to support her family, her career began to bloom and evolve in the direction of helping others. Inspired by her mother, Cheryl’s, nursing career, she began working in specialty pharmacies, to increase the availability and accessibility for medications and services for the HIV community. During her time in the pharmacy, in the isle 5 candy section, she met her smitten future husband. From that point forward, she pursued higher points of education, first acquiring her nursing certificate from Gateway, followed by her bachelor’s in business from Western International University, which inspired her to further acquire her master’s degree in Health in Law at Hofra University, which subsequently culminated into her pursuing a master’s degree in Psychology at Pepperdine University, all while maintaining a near perfect grade point average at all institutions and acquiring several academic and professional accolades. When asked, she explained she earned all of these degrees with the ultimate intention of using each skillset to help underrepresented, vulnerable, and underserved patients as a patient advocate. Even throughout her diagnosis, she continued fighting for the wellbeing of others, unwavering in her dedication and commitment.

In addition to her professional and academic career Rebecca enjoyed genealogy, photography, live theater, animal keeping/adoption, road tripping, cooking, reading, learning, visiting the Phoenix Zoo/Zoo Lights, playing board games cinema, spending time with friends and loved ones, and was a food enthusiast. She believed in Buddhist philosophies, particularly karma, especially towards those who deserved it.

Rebecca was known for putting the needs of others way ahead of her own. She was involved in several charities for HIV, Oncology, Mental Health, Multiple Sclerosis, the American Liver Foundation, Animal Rescue, the Phoenix Zoo, etc. The family asks that those who wish to make any contributions in her honor, in lieu of flowers, instead donate to any of the aforementioned charities in her name.

The celebration of her life will take place May 12th, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Gilbert Memorial Park, followed by a reception at 12:00 P.M, and will additionally take place online for those unable to attend in person. We appreciate everyone who is able to partake in the celebration of Rebecca’s wonderful life.

Livestream Link