Rebecca (McKinney) Zupanick

Rebecca McKinney Zupanick, 64, of Pineville, WV, passed away at the Bowers Hospice
House of Southern West Virginia, on Thursday, September 8, 2022, after a long battle
with cancer. She was a resident of Wyoming County and southern West Virginia for her
entire life.
Becky was born in Mullens, WV, on January 28, 1958. She was the daughter of the late
James P. McKinney and the late Marie McVey McKinney, of Corinne, WV. Becky was
also preceded in death by her special uncle, Jimmy D. McVey of Pinch, WV.
Becky graduated from Mullens High School in 1976. She was the first woman to
graduate (1980) from West Virginia Institute of Technology with a degree in Mining
Engineering. After graduating, she was employed by US Steel Corporation. Becky also
obtained her MBA from West Virginia University. She worked for Cabot Oil and Gas
Company, as well as a substitute teacher for the Wyoming County Board of
Education. Later in life, Becky graduated from Mountain State University with a
certificate in Culinary Arts. She conceived and opened her restaurant and craft
brewery, Dobra Zupas, in Beckley, WV, which she operated until her passing. She was
also the resident caterer for The Gaines Estate in Fayetteville, WV.
Becky is survived by her daughter, Emily Zupanick of Montevallo, Alabama, and her
fiancé Aaron Ryan, and Joseph Zupanick of Beckley, WV and his partner Mercedes
Bloomfield. She is also survived by her brother, James P. McKinney, Jr., and his wife,
Sheila, of Corinne, WV, and their children David (wife Tracy) of North Carolina, and
Kimberly, Corinne, WV. Also surviving are her Aunt Edna McVey, of Lewes, DE, a
brother-in-law, Michael Zupanick, of Broomall PA, three sisters-in-law, Corinne
Zupanick of Austin TX, Paula Zupanick Iannotta, of Pittsburgh PA, and Clare Zupanick
Ellis (husband Tom) of Houston, Texas. Becky is also survived by her Aunt Alberta
McKinney of Stephenson, WV, cousin Jim McVey-Back and his husband Bruce of
Lewes, DE, and her devoted cousins, nieces and nephews.
Becky enjoyed many hobbies and activities throughout her life. She loved spending
time with her animals including horses, rabbits, chickens, cats and dogs. Becky was an
avid sports fan but especially of WVU Mountaineer sports and attended many
basketball and football games with her brother. She attended Holy Cross Catholic
Church, Pineville, WV, and St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Beckley, WV. Becky
was an active member of the Xi Beta Epsilon Chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority,
Pineville, WV. During her life, Becky was a member of The Order of Eastern Star and
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, both in Mullens, WV.
In addition to the many people who have been so kind to Becky, the family would like to
extend special thanks and appreciation to Becky’s good friend Tammy Cook for all of
her support and care, Larry Eperhart (and wife Teresa) who cared for Becky’s animals
over the years, as well as her many sorority sisters. They would also like to thank the
Home Care Hospice Team, especially Tanya Bailey who was available anytime her
services were needed, The Bowers Hospice House of Southern WV for the care and

concern for Becky as well as her friends and family. Lastly, the family would like to
thank the entire team at her restaurant, Dobra Zupas, and her catering service.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Becky will be held at a later date. In lieu
of customary remembrance, donations may be made to the Bowers Hospice House of
Southern WV at 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley, WV 25801, the Humane Society of
Raleigh County at 325 Grey Flats Road, Beckley, WV, 25801, or the charitable
organization of your choice.

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