Rachel Hei Jung Steffens

Rachel was a compassionate, warm, and empathetic person. She had a certain niche for art, and was very active in her community. Rachel also spent much of her time cooking meals, singing, playing the piano, and working out. Personal fitness was something she did not take lightly. She was an advocate for those without a voice, and dearly loved small animals. Rachel’s academic journey began at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. She continued her education at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, where she obtained her doctorate. She soon found employment as an Assistant Professor at Purdue University. Intelligence, beauty, creativity, vibrant personality, and caring are just some of the many attributes that Rachel possessed, and that reached everyone she encountered. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Preceding her in death was her father, Robert L. Fancher.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her loving mother and step-father; Mary and Craig Thicksten, of Belleville, Illinois; her sisters, Alisa Fancher, of Grain Valley, Missouri, Elisabeth (Jimmy) Allgire, of Indianapolis, Indiana; her brothers Erick Thicksten, and Mario Thicksten, both of Belleville, Illinois; two nieces, Finley and Jolie, and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Memorials can be made in Rachel’s name to The Michigan City Humane Society, or Samaritanspurse.org (Memorial Giving). Additional condolences and expressions of memories can be made at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com

Visitation: Friends may call from 10:00am-12:00pm Noon, Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at Lake View Funeral Home, in Fairview Heights, Illinois.

Funeral Services: Services will be held following the visitation at 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at Lake View Funeral Home, in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Interment will follow the funeral service, at Lake View Memorial Gardens Cemetery, in Fairview Heights, Illinois.