Rachel Stephens

(From Clark Funeral Home)

The epitome of kindness, gentleness, and humility, Rachel Lea Stephens was a loving servant of Jesus and a beacon of light to her family, friends, church family, and community. She passed away on March 26, 2024, at the age of 85.

Rachel was born on July 22, 1938, to Robert and Myrle (Alfrey) Elswick in Lanagan, MO. She was a 1956 graduate of Pineville High School. In addition to raising her three daughters, who were her greatest joys, Rachel also worked as a caregiver for children and the elderly and as a housekeeper in homes and nursing facilities. Her dedication to serving others was a quality that touched every person she encountered.

As an active member of Northside Baptist Church, Rachel was still teaching Sunday school and meeting with a group of women prayer warriors every Saturday morning. She enjoyed her apartment’s social events, including monthly dinners, movie nights, Bible studies, and puzzle collaborations. An exceptional seamstress and baker, she would often be found in the kitchen making mouthwatering cookies and pies or mixing up homemade jellies. Picnics in the park and leisurely walks at the fish hatchery were two of her favorite pastimes.

Rachel cherished her family and friends, which was evident through personal visits, phone calls, and frequent letters. She was a loving and caring mother to her children: Mona Anders and husband, Bill, of Anderson, MO, Dianne Renkoski and husband, Luke, of Everton, MO, and Theresa Schneider and husband, Keith, of Neosho, MO; a nurturing Grandma and Meme to her eleven grandchildren: Samantha Williams and husband, Brian, Shelby Larkin and husband, Ryan, Rachel Schneider, Allison Renkoski, Kolby Schneider, Jared Renkoski, Karlee Rodgers and husband, Jackson, and Isaac Renkoski; a proud great grandmother of two great-grandchildren; Cooper Larkin and Tessa Larkin; and a devoted sister to her brother, James Elswick — who all loved her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

 

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Rachel’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Clark Funeral Homes Chapel of Memories in Neosho, MO. Prior to the service, a visitation will take place from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Contributions in memory of Rachel can be made to Northside Baptist Church, 705 N. High St. Neosho, MO.

Online condolences may be posted at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com

Services are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, MO.