Rebecca Leigh Wilson, 27, Minot, formerly of Bismarck, died Tuesday, January 6, 2009 in her home of complications from diabetes.

Rebecca was born May 19, 1981 in Bismarck, North Dakota, the daughter of Randolph and Colleen (O' Connell) Sand.She was raised and educated in Bismarck, where she graduated from Century High School in 1999. Rebecca loved music, and during her years in school, she played the violin in the orchestra, and sang in the choir. She attended Bismarck State College for two years, and transferred to Minot State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in May of 2004.

Rebecca was united in marriage to Ryan W. Wilson on March 8, 2008 at Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot.They had made their home in Minot, where she was employed with the Head Start program as a teacher.

While living in Bismarck, she was baptized at the Church of The Cross and had been a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.Rebecca and Ryan attended Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot. She enjoyed working with children and loved life, living it to its fullest. She enjoyed music and "I Love Lucy" collectibles.

Surviving family includes : Loving husband, Ryan; Mother, Colleen Sand, Bismarck; Sister, Megan Sand, Bismarck; Brother, Nathan Sand, Duluth, MN; Maternal Grandparents, Art and Vivian O'Connell, Minot; Father and Mother-in-law: Rod and Sue Wilson, Minot; Aunts: Suellen (Jack) Johnston, Minot, Kathy (Michael) O'Keeffe, Bismarck, Pat (Rick) Rasnick, Melbourne, FL, Joni (Nick) Kleven, Pasco, WA; Uncles: Dan (Avis) O'Connell, Minot, Ken (Kathy) O'Connell, Branson, MO, Jim (LaVonne) O'Connell, Goshen, IN, Doug (Bernie) Sand, New Town, ND, Don (Jayne) Sand, Sun Lake, AZ; Brothers-in-Law: David and Nathan Wilson, and numerous cousins.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her father and paternal grandparents, Strandford and Lucile Sand.

Funeral service : Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot;
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot;
Visitation : Friday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.