A Legacy of Passion, Fishing, and Community
On September 11, 2024, the bass fishing community lost an incredible figure—Rebecca “Becky” Minor, known to many as “Grandma Bass.” Born on November 1, 1946, Becky passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy defined by her passion for fishing, her love for music, and her dedication to family, friends, and community.
Becky’s journey was extraordinary. Born to Ezra Milton and Minnie Belle Long, she grew up in Kansas and went on to graduate from Kansas State University, where she developed a lifelong passion for music. Becky dedicated much of her life to teaching, sharing her gift as a music teacher, and giving piano lessons that inspired countless students. She also played the organ at Mt. Zion Community Church, where her music continued to uplift her congregation each Sunday. Her love of music was matched by her devotion to family and her remarkable enthusiasm for fishing, a sport that would come to define much of her life.
Her daughter Dana fondly remembers, “She could literally play any instrument she picked up.” Becky’s love for music was rivaled only by her passion for teaching, as she helped shape young minds and hearts in the classroom.
From Music Teacher to Bass Fishing Champion
Becky’s love for bass fishing began after meeting her husband, Ben Minor, an experienced angler, boat salesman, and mechanic. While she initially watched from back of the boat, it wasn’t long before Becky decided to take matters into her own hands. Her competitive spirit was ignited, and soon, she was not just fishing but competing and winning.
Becky quickly became an accomplished bass angler, earning accolades in a predominantly male sport. She joined the Military Bass Anglers Association (MBAA), which later became American Bass Anglers (ABA), in 1996. By 2000, she was already a director of her own division in Kansas, helping to grow the ABA circuit in the region and mentoring new anglers.
Her fierce competitive nature and angling skills earned her recognition at ABA events. At ABA’s first championship in 2000 on Lake Murray, Becky caught the biggest bass at the event, earning a substantial cash payout and bragging rights. She repeated this remarkable achievement a decade later at the ABA National Championship on Kentucky Lake, recalling the unforgettable experience:
“Day 3 of the ABA National Championship on Kentucky Lake has set the standard of exciting experiences on the water. I drew a local angler and agreed to go in his boat. We ran about 30 miles south and pulled up on a channel bend loaded with tree stumps. Partner had been catching some fish here and had about 14lb in two days; I had nothing in two days. I started throwing a Spook. I couldn’t believe what started happening! At the first twitch, bass boiled around that lure, and they were not small bass, but 3-5 pounders. In 10 minutes, I had the Big Bass of the tournament in the live well”, said Becky.
This love for topwater fishing stayed with Becky throughout her angling career. She often credited the topwater technique for some of her greatest successes, including two “Big Bass” titles at ABA national championships.
A Champion of Lady Anglers
While Becky’s accomplishments as an angler were impressive, her contributions to the fishing community were even more significant. She was a pioneer for women in fishing, breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport and paving the way for other female anglers. Becky was instrumental in the creation of the Ladies Competition Team at the American Fishing Tour Championship, ensuring that women had a space to compete and be recognized for their talents.
 | Becky was instrumental in the creation of the Ladies Competition Team at the American Fishing Tour Championship, ensuring that women had a space to compete and be recognized for their talents. |
In 2008, Becky was inducted into the American Bass Anglers Hall of Fame an honor reserved for individuals who not only excel in fishing but also work tirelessly to promote the sport and encourage others to participate. Becky’s leadership in ABA was not just about personal success; it was about fostering a love of fishing in others and creating a welcoming community for all.
The ABA national office was always aware of Becky’s efforts. Calls would come in from an angler saying something like, “I met this lady; she gave me this flier and told me to call and sign up.” We immediately knew who they were talking about because it was who Becky was. One of the joys of her life was bringing new anglers into the sport she loved.
“Becky was simply the best of us; she and I worked closely together, and we constantly talked about ways to move the organization forward while keeping our focus on the weekend angler. I’ll never forget when she introduced me to Ray Templeton, who she fondly called ‘Oz.’ I joked with her, ‘Doesn’t that make you Dorothy?’ From that day on, whenever she called, she’d say, ‘Hey, this is Dorothy from Kansas.’ Her selfless drive to do things for others is what truly sets Becky apart. She was tenacious in promoting the sport and ensuring that anglers had every opportunity to get on the water and fish. We will all miss her greatly and share our deepest condolences to Ben and all of her family”, said David Hagood of American Bass Anglers.
A Champion of the Community
Becky’s impact was not limited to her role as a tournament director or angler. She was a constant advocate for the fishing lifestyle, promoting local tournaments, securing sponsorships, and mentoring anglers of all ages and skill levels. She helped create a coalition of divisions in her region, ensuring that the fishing community had the resources and support it needed to grow. Becky deeply loved her small hometown of Parsons, Kansas, in Labette County, and she promoted the town and the county to anyone and everyone.
Becky was especially proud of her work with the “Take an Airman Fishing” program, which paired local anglers with airmen from McConnell Air Force Base for a day of fishing and camaraderie. As event director for the program, Becky saw it as an opportunity to give back to those who served, bringing together the local community and military personnel for a shared love of fishing. The event became a cherished tradition, offering a day of learning, bonding, and fun for all participants.
Her enthusiasm for fishing and commitment to her community was evident in everything she did. Whether running tournaments, working with sponsors, or simply talking to new anglers, Becky’s goal was always to grow the sport she loved and help others discover the joy of fishing.
A Life of Passion and Family
Becky’s love for fishing was matched by her dedication to her family. She shared her passions with her children and grandchildren, teaching them about the outdoors, the importance of sportsmanship, and the value of family.
Becky is survived by her husband, Ben Minor of Parsons, KS; her daughter, Dana York, and son-in-law, David of Joplin, MO; her son, Dustin McIlvain, and daughter-in-law, Sara of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren, Danielle York, Darci York, Derek York, Dillon McIlvain, and Kylie McIlvain; and great-grandson, Wallace McIlvain. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John Long, and her sister, Lucy Brooke.
A Lasting Legacy
While Becky will not be present at the 2024 American Fishing Tour Championship, her dear friend Ray Templeton will carry her fishing jersey to the event, ensuring that her spirit remains part of the tournament she loved so much.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor Becky’s incredible life. Additionally, a memorial fund will be established in her name to benefit her fishing community, ensuring that her contributions to the sport continue to inspire future generations.
Becky Minor was a force of nature—an accomplished angler, a dedicated music teacher, a loving wife and mother, and a leader in the fishing community. Her legacy will continue to inspire, as the countless anglers she touched carry forward her love of fishing and her dedication to sportsmanship and community. She will be deeply missed.
