Rachel Schaeffer

Rachel Schaeffer

Rachel Schaeffer, our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at her home with her loved ones at her side.

Rachel was born in Rupert, Idaho in 1926 to Peter John and Katherine Knopp Koch and was the youngest of eight brothers and four sisters. She attended schools in Paul.

In 1946 Rachel met Dave Schaeffer at a roller-skating rink where she tripped him to get his attention. It must have worked because they were later married on July 25, 1946.

Dave and Rachel farmed west of Paul for 26 years. They raised three children on this farm and formed lots of great memories.

They retired from farming in 1975 and moved to a house with a garden spot in Paul. There they grew a large garden that both enjoyed working in. Rachel loved her yard which was always mowed, trimmed and weeded to perfection. Her flowers were always so beautiful.

Rachel had a strong love for the Lord. She and Dave attended the Paul Congregational Church where Rachel had been confirmed and baptized. Rachel was a Sunday school teacher there for many years.

Dave and Rachel were married for 49 years when Dave passed away in 1996. Rachel then moved to King Hill, Idaho to live beside her daughter, Kathy. There she was able to enjoy her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always had cookies or candy to hand out. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the highlight of her life. She couldn't get enough of them.

Rachel was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and an amazing person who was always looking out for her family. She instilled in each and every one of us her love for God, our father in heaven. We will all miss mom and grandma dearly.

Rachel is survived by her children: Dennis Schaeffer of San Diego, California; Terry Schaeffer of Malta, Idaho and Kathy (Jack) Anderson of King Hill, Idaho; five grand-daughters, Chalet Whitaker, Sandee Hitesman, Brandee Ligon, Audra Ragsdale and Kamie Anderson; fifteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Paul Koch of Caldwell, Idaho and Dan Koch of Spokane, Washington; and one sister, Pauline Neiwert of Rupert, Idaho. She was preceded in death by her parents; one infant son, Douglas Schaeffer; her husband Dave Schaffer; six brothers and two sisters.

Services were held at the Congregational Church in Paul, Idaho on Monday, June 21. Burial followed at the Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rachel's name to the first Baptist Church, 461 South Oneida, PO Box 403, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623 or to the Ebenezer Congregational Church at 121 N 2nd W, Paul, ID 83347.

The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to Guardian Home-Care Hospice Nurse, Marilyn Ludden; Dr. John Gies; Pastor Don Woody and Joe Rowan. We couldn't have made it through these last few months without you. Thank-you so much!