It is very difficult to put the memories of almost 44 years into a few words. However, if I had to describe Rachel in a word I guess the word would be compassion. She was a beautiful person both in physical appearance and in the love she showed to others. She loved her God and her family but she also showed concern for people in less fortunate circumstances. It was this love that led her to be a foster mother to 289 children. She opened our home to black and white and male and female. They were all treated with love and dignity and most left feeling that they were blessed having passed her way and had indeed found a mother in her.

She never ceased to be thrilled by the beauty of the world. She loved trees and flowers and all of the sights and sounds of nature. She got joy from the songs of the birds and loved to watch them at the feeders. There was a special place in her heart for animals. She detested cruelty and abuse to either people or animals.

Rachel fought the cancer battle twice. The first time was in 1989. She had surgeries and radiation at that time and beat it for several years. The second time was in 2001 and that time she did not win. She battled to the end and one night (May 7, 2002) she simply stopped breathing and slipped out of this world and went to be with her Lord. Her battle and her attitude and her faith were an inspiration to many. Even in death she shared with others when she became a donor.

Rachel for years had dreamed of writing a book of her life. She would say “I should write a book. Nobody would believe the life I have lived.” In 1996 she saw that dream become reality with the publication of a 338-page hard cover book that she authored. It was the culmination of many years of work and the realization of a long time dream.

I have a lifetime of memories that will always be cherished. It is impossible to present this lady that was my wife to you in these few words. Certainly she was my life companion and she stood with me through the good times and the bad times. She was the love and the light of my life. I only regret that all of you did not have the chance to meet her. Certainly she was my queen and she was most of all always a lady. She is certainly missed but the good times and the memories of her love will live with me forever.