Hello Lori,
Your parents gave me the motivation to continue my education when I lived in Heidelberg, Germany.  Rachel shared the stories of Italian cooking and different wines.
I love Rex and Rachel. I will always remember when they lived in Box Berg Germany so many memories.

Thanks for the memories.

Shenita Miller

Lori,
Thinking of you and all your family especially at this time as you all continue to honor all the wonderful memories that you treasure of  Rachel & Rex.  
Hugs to all of you!
Linda Anderson

I am very sad today to learn that Rachel and Rex have passed. Both were wonderful people who were always most kind and gracious to me during my nearly 25 years in Heidelberg. Introduced to Rex while I worked at the Herald-Post newspaper in the 90s, I was privileged to write and contribute to several articles on the venerable public affairs icon, WWII pilot, and seemingly ageless wonder. 

Although I didn’t run in his social circle and never skied, I enjoyed chatting with Rex about sports and politics sometimes at the main exchange snack bar with one of his fellow WWII vets. 

It was no wonder Rex’s marriage was so beautiful and so long, with a wife as sweet and loving as Rachel, with energy to match Rex as well. She would pop in at the Herald-Post whenever she dropped off notices of upcoming events and say hello. I was also always happy to see Rachel at church services and speak with her there as the last chapels at Nachrichten (Hospital) Kaserne and PHV closed. 

At the last one, she invited me and two close friends of mine, Claudia Fahrner and Jeremy Goodman, to enjoy a nice meal with her and Rex at the Oftersheim golf course. A relaxing, long time with full discussion on the patio overlooking the 18th hole on a glorious day. I do believe that was the last time I saw Rex and Rachel.

I continued to send Rex some of my NFL game predictions and a few other missives via e-mail for years after they relocated to California, but noticed in 2018 or so that I hadn’t heard from either in a while. And today, while organizing some New Year’s greetings to send, I decided to run some Internet searches on Rex and Rachel and found that two friends had departed this Earth.

God bless them, and may they rest together in peace.

The first time I met Rachel and Rex was on a ski trip in Austria.  Not knowing most of the others, I was a little unsure how it was going to go.  Then I met Rachel and she gave me this huge and welcoming smile.  I knew everything was going to be just fine after that.  In the times that I saw her after that,  every time she would smile at me that same way.  There are things that I'll remember Rachel for and that smile is something that I'll truly miss.

Dear Lisa and Lori and family,
Our heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Rachel and Rex will be in our hearts and minds forever.  The joy we all shared together, skiing, Dino luncheons, Heidelberg events, conversations and dinners with Chef Rachel's culinary delights, will keep them alive in our thoughts and memories.
The cards Rachel sent this past year are taped to the door entering my kitchen so she is there in spirit and missed.
God Bless All of You,  
Jeanne and Bob





Dear Lisa and Lori:  Rex and Rachel came into our lives forty-two years ago as no one ever had before or has since.  Rex had an answer for every question before we asked the question.  He was our Pied Piper in “Anyone’s  Alps”, and he inspired us from ski runs to snow bars, border crossing currency complexities to hotels where he was as well-known as the proprietors.   

Rachel welcomed us into her Heidelberg home with her joy of delicious cooking.  And she drove us through the Sound of Music lake country to Vienna where we danced to a Strauss waltz in the town square and then went on to Salzburg to patriotically wave little American flags together in a restaurant and celebrate the Fourth of July.  

Rex and Rachel joined us on the beaches of Rimini on the Italian Adriatic and led us back to Heidelberg over the 6,909-foot, still snowy in July, Swiss peaks of the St. Gotthard (San Gottardo) Pass.  And, on visits to Reno, the Nevada group of l977 Gribble skiers welcomed Rex and Rachel with a Picon Punch at the Santa Fe Basque restaurant. 

The one liners continued through the decades including cheerful disputes over authorship of “less wine on the Rhine tonight” following our long ago, long lunch on the river.  Rachel never forgot birthdays or holidays, and at Christmas she always sent those special German cookies.   And we were thrilled when she joined us for our daughter Leslie’s wedding at Squaw Valley in 2005. 

In privileged memory, Rex and Rachel continue today as part of our lives.  We are grateful.  

We are deeply appreciative, Lisa and Lori, for all you have done to make their lives so happy as they settled into their new home in California.  


/Users/wlerude/Desktop/Dear Lisa and Lori.docx

Dearest Rachel - Doug and I learned so much from you and Rex about true friendships and living life to its fullest.  You turned us on to dozens of glorious ski trips in Europe, especially Arabba, exploring the bars and restaurants along the Sella Ronda, hosting room parties, dancing at the Portavescovo, skiing down at night from the New Bar after countless glasses of wine.  The comradery was continuous and beautiful, the friendships everlasting.

Your home in Heidelberg was always open to the endless parade of friends and family who wanted to enjoy another day or two (or three) with Rex and Rachel.  Your hospitality and generosity made us feel so special and loved, and inspired us to believe that darn glass was not only half full, it was overflowing!

How grateful you must be that you were finally able to relax in the Florida sunshine with Lori and family for 5 weeks even though you knew that your 89 years of life would soon be ending.  I know how much joy and love Lisa and Lori gave you, and of course they were by your side when it was time to say goodbye.

I miss you Rachel, and I cherish these extra 5+ years we have had together in the States becoming ever-closer.  Go now on your next exciting journey with Rex and know that you will both remain in the hearts of many forever....with much love, Shar


Rachel and her husband, Rex, are dear friends of mine now and always.  We had many good times together that I will never forget.  They shared their stores with me about Germany, Rex’s life in the service,  Rachel as a school teacher, their many, many friends and their skiing journeys. Their explicit love was for their two daughters, two son-in-laws and the grandchildren.  I loved and appreciated every story and all the comments I could hear.  We had so much laughter in our conversations plus a few  glasses of wine and wonderful dinners.  I would visit them and she would visit me as Rex was with his caregiver.  They loved for me to bring over my dog, KJ, to see them  and that pleased both myself and KJ.  Rachel’s trip to Florida was so rewarding to her.  She was so glad she was able to go.  She knew God was with her.  I know both Rex and Rachel have been loved by so many family members and friends.  I really get emotional about her passing and I felt the same about Rex leaving but they both are together again and with God.   God blessed me when he found the way for me to meet them 6 years ago.  They will be in my heart forever.  They are together again now and will be watching down on all of us.  I love them both with all of my heart and soul.

Dearest Lori, Lisa and family and to all those in mourning...
I am deeply sorry for the loss of Rachel and Rex.  You all have  a wonderful family.  The memories of the life of Rachel and Rex will continue to remain in our hearts.
I will ALWAYS remember fondly attending my only GGG (Great Gribble Getaway) with Rachel  and Rex and all the Gribble family and friends when we went on the ski trip in Austria.   Mark went off the trail in the blizzard.  Fortunately, the group was able to pull him out of the deep powder and we all survived...LOL.😘
Rachel and Rex lovingly...LOL... questioned us for being out in the heavy snowstorm but we lived to tell the tales.
My heart goes out to all of you...
Linda Anderson 
Lori's Phi Mu sorority sister

I began my wonderful relationship with Rex and Rachel back in January, 2015. First I was Rex's caregiver and a friend to both ,  Rex was always a pleasure with his sense of humor, full of life and stories  and occasionally corrections,(farther instead of further)haha!! Then I became a caregiver and confident for Rachel. She was also full of life, generous , giving, sharing, sometimes with a temper (mostly out of frustration from no  longer being in total control) with lots of hugs and a great smile. Each week we had many doctors appts. I would do the driving and always with a chuckle Rachel would say "lets do lunch" even when we couldn't. She shared wonderful stories with me from her early childhood days in Washington State through the over 60 years in Germany. I lived vicariously thru her life with all her  wonderful friends. Such an adventuresome woman.  Rachel, you and Rex .were only apart for a very short six months, so now your are happily together .again,  raising your glasses. My love to you both. Our condolences to Lori and Lisa and each of your families., from  John and Judy

Rex- words, stories, red wine
Rachel- smiles, laughs, hugs
Together- a magnetic forces that drew so many into their circle of friends
Us- over 40 years of special memories
 John met Rachel in the ski patrol ( remember Rachel taught Rex 
 to ski!) and Rex at Irmagard's bar at the Casino.
  Skiing with the Gribble family started with Christmases in 
 Monte Bondoni, followed by racing from Heidelberg  to Lauterbrunnen after Friday night happy hour, and starting in 1980, always Arabba.
Now they live on in our hearts.
Lisa and Lori, much love to you as you grieve.


Frederic aus Mannheim remembers Rachel’s efforts over the years to ensure that everyone had as good a Christmas as possible in Italia will always be my favorite Rachel gift.
Also, the time we spent with them in June 2017 and the fun we had at Taco Night at the VFW. 
Our condolences to the family .

Rex and Racheal have always been so kind to us. We enjoyed talking with them when they would come and visit. One conversation I had with Racheal, I’ve never forgotten. 
Rex and Racheal will be very missed. Lori and Lisa loved them and made sure they were well taken care of, and were right by their side to the end. We are so sorry for your loss. 
For now, I’ll take comfort in the fact that they both are “sleeping in death” (1 Thes 4:14) but as with sleep, they will “awake and cry out joyfully” they will “live again” (Isaiah 26:19) and then it will be a better world, one where “death will be no more, nor will outcry or pain be anymore” (Rev 21:4) in fact, any painful memories “will not be called to mind. Nor will they come up into the heart” (Isaiah 65:17) “we will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace” (Psalm 37:11)  and when I see Racheal again in paradise, I’ll remind her of the conversation we had. How I'd never forgotten it. And I imagine us talking about what new adventures her and Rex will have together. 
Rex and Racheal, I’ll see you in paradise. 

It was almost 58 years ago, when my life began when meeting Rachel and Rex in the Heidelberg Ski Club.  Times were different then, the Berlin military crisis was ongoing, Rachel was teaching school and Rex was busy with USASEUR military news releases and I was a young Army officer stationed near Heidelberg.  This began decades of a warm and wonderful relationship, chock full of unforgettable memories.  Rachel was the most gracious, loving lady with a big smile and a warm heart.  

So many countless memories, it is difficult to condense ‘a life with the Gribbles’.  It was not just the numerous ski trips to Switzerland, Austria or Italy.  It was also the trip to the Texas ranch where Lori and Lisa and my two boys, Erik and Dirk, ran the horses forever, the trip to Aspen for Rex’s 70th, Texas black tie cattle Gala with R&R with Bob Hope and Red Skelton, trip to NYC, the 007 James Bond Never-Say-Never yacht trip from Rome to Monaco and the trip on the Queen Elizabeth II ship from NYC to UK.  Rachel had a wonderful time on the ship with the often time voice of Rex calling “Rachel where are you” with always the comforting answer “I’m right here Rex”.

Rachel and Rex were a remarkable couple, wonderful friends who touched the lives of countless people with love and laughter, leaving a lasting impact that will continue through the generations of many.   Their friendship is sadly missed, but we are sure they are happy and together again.

Lisa and Lori, you were so great to provide Rachel the trip to Florida a short time ago.  We received a wonderful letter from her while there with Lori and Mark and a wonderful telephone call to us as she was getting ready to return to California.  She was so happy, so Rachel, even though she knew her time was short.  She had such a wonderful time to be with her girls! 

Lisa and Lori, our sincere condolences to you your family.  Our love and memories of Rachel and Rex are vivid, as well as with you.  David, Candy, Dirk and Erik Eller 


Lori and Lisa,
  Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers in the passing of your beautiful mother. Rachel was kind, generous and and a wonderful teacher and friend. She never forgot birthday cards, Christmas cards and post cards. She will  sorely be missed but her memory will live on in our hearts. Lovingly , Mag

We had the pleasure of meeting Rachel during her last trip to Florida as she was visiting with Lori, Mark and Zoe.
I listened to her recall learning to ski and enjoyed her story very much!  Wow!  What a fabulously adventurous woman I thought to myself...
And then spent the remaining afternoon hearing of her move to Europe, meeting Rex, golfing, skiing and becoming part of the ski patrol.   What a woman of substance!
My husband and I both feel blessed to have spent a bit of time with her.  
We imagine her to be pain-free now and soaring like a bird towards the next adventure with Rex.
Cheers Rachel!

With the recent passing of Rachel Gribble, the memories of the wonderful time I had the opportunity to spend with her and Rex are vivid, and stimulating because of the profound influence the two had on my life when I was in my early twenties and living in Heidelberg. The Gribble’s exposed  me to the joy of skiing the Alps and The Italian Dolomiti, and introduced wonderful family operated  hotels and Inns that I frequent to this day.  Rex and Rachel were wonderful friends to me and my family, and I will always remember them, and honor them, whenever I am wandering through “Anyone’s Alps.” Lisa and Lori, you have my sincerest condolences, and be assured, I will always remember Rex and Rachel. I love you all. kj howe

Rachel, 
         I appreciate all of the talks we had. As teachers, we were always able to bond over the emotional ups and downs that come with trying to motivate and encourage little minds to take their education seriously. You always understood what I was going through, and reminded me that even though some days it felt like I could never do enough, that all of my effort was indeed making a difference. Ever since meeting you and your family, I became very curious about Germany. What a fairytale place… I would hear stories of where Lori grew up, and dream of one day visiting this magical place. This summer, Dylan and I (or Dillon, Colorado as Rex always said) were able to finally visit Germany. When I heard that you had passed, I was actually in Germany on my way to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle; a place I had always wanted to visit after seeing a picture of it hung in Dad and Lori’s bathroom. It was a beautiful day, that evening we drank a beer and toasted in honor of you and Rex and the beautiful life that you've created. Rachel, thank you for raising my stepmother and for encouraging me to travel and see the world. Thank you for always having a smile on your face, you and Rex will never be forgotten. 


Rachel, always kind, had taken a course in Italian Cooking with Carol Pisoni in Italy. Loved the class. Loved being in Italy. Loved Lake Garda. All that.   Bringing these new skills back she now knew that the American style that
most of her friends made was over sauced and heavy compared to authentic Italian recipes. 
Sooooo she’s cooking for friends, keeping it pure, simmering the sauce, taking the time required.  Low on salt, high on fresh tomatoes.  A friend tells her she should “add more salt and put in a can of tomato sauce. “  Rachel explains her new concept. When she leaves the kitchen for a bit - the friend adds salt and sauce. 
Rachel, her recipe ruined, says nothing negative. Rachel, always kind. 

Grandma, it was so nice spending time with you here in Florida. Thank you for taking time out to come visit us. I miss all your nicknames for everyone, your smile, and all the laughter that came from the adventures we had with you. But most of all, I miss you!

You all took me to Europe and we had so much fun .  I saw things that I never would have seen and I thank you both for that. I love that you visited my home state.  We went to Deadwood, saw  Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and the Black Hills.  You spent time with my Family and stayed with my Mom and Dad.  They instantly fell in love with you both..   It was so nice that you got to spend time with us in Florida.   I wanted Rex to see this place and it just didn't work out. But so grateful that you made it Rachel.  was a very special time..

Mom, 
I had so much fun with you in Florida. It meant the world to me. I loved the time it gave you & Zoe to be with each other. I will treasure those memories for the rest of my life.

You & Dad were such curious humans. You wanted to explore the world. You traveled all over Europe from the ski slopes to the beaches to the seas, cruising, sailing, and skiing. When you weren't traveling, you could be found on the Heidelberg Golf Course. You both loved Europe and all it had to offer. I'm so glad you found each other.

I know how badly you wanted to be a grandmother. It was a great excuse to take Zoe to Europe both in the summer and winter. We had such a good time. I'm thankful you two were able to reconnect when you stayed with us towards the end. 

You & Dad adored Mark. I'll never forget the Christmas letter you wrote. You had said "Mark and his wife". I teased you about that!

Losing you both so quickly within such a short time span is very difficult. I will struggle with it every single day. I'm so thankful I was there almost to the end. I will never forget our last night together, and how I prayed for your pain to be gone.

I know you waited for Lisa & I to leave that day so you could go meet Dad. And I know that you are happy now. I lean on something Joke Badalati said while visiting you in Florida. She said you beat the odds. She said you lived life to the fullest, with no restrictions, doing what you wanted, and you made it to 89! I think of that often.

I really miss you Mom, just as I miss Dad so much. I miss our friendship and our long talks. I hope the two of you are off doing fun things in Heaven. I loved when Dad came to see me on the plane when I was flying out in January. And I loved when you came to see me through the white flowers to let me know you were ok. You were happy and peaceful, just like Dad when he was showing me the clouds and why he loved flying.

I love you Mom. I love you Dad. I'll see you again.





Lori,
There are some people who bring a light so great into the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains.  Your Mom & Dad were those people with a great light.  I hope that you & Lisa find comfort knowing that so many people carry Rex & Rachel's light in their hearts & memories.  Praying for peace and strength for you and your entire family.
Love you always....  Tammy

While Rex and I work at the Heidelberg Golf Club in Germany  as starters,Rachel would come by to pick up Rex at the end of the duty day. Rachel always had a big smile and will tell me to call Rex on the radio that she will be in the club house waiting for him with a glass of red wine. She was a loving and careing  wife and Rex knew  that and will always show up ASAP.

The work that best describes Rachel is FUN.  We always looked forward to her great, well written Christmas letters.  We had hoped for another visit from her to show her once again the area of Washington that meant so much to her

Loving Spouse, Passionate Educator, Faithful Friend.  

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Rest well Rachel.


Rachel was such a loving, generous and giving lady.
She will be missed, especially during the holidays, when family gets together.
Loving friend, Connie

Rachel and Rex were alway so thoughtful and happy.
They had life experiences, many only dream of.
We will miss the wonderful stories and the joy they brought to every occasion.
Gods blessing and Love,
Bruce & Janet

Where to begin…
There are so many memories…
I met Rex and Rachel in December 1980 and enjoyed every moment with them for the next 29 years. Rachel was like a mom, every year sending us off to the mountains to ski early in the morning with a bag of sandwiches for the road on trips to any number of ski areas. Rex taking the lead in a caravan of cars headed south, mountain bound. There were always stops along the way for “refreshments”. When we arrived at our destination, Rex was the captain and Rachel was the commander. They ran everything and made sure that we all had fun. 
Rex could hold court in any bar in any town that we found ourselves in. Stories of Rachel and his ski trips were like fractured fairy tales from the ‘60s, always fun, sometimes bawdy, and always an adventure. 
When I married my wife Joke, Rex and Rachel led a group of friends to the Netherlands for the service and party. Rex sat in the seat as my father at the ceremony as mine had passed away a long time before. I am forever grateful to him for that.
When we skied in Ortisi, in Valle Gardena staying at the Cheapie, Rachel and Joke would make cannoli runs to Vicenza for me, I am also forever grateful for that. As I am for Rachel’s Christmas celebration at the hotel Porta Vescovo every year. 
Charlie Badalati…

In my mind I see Rachel with a smile on her face. She was always ready for some fun, and a glass of wine or a “heisse Oma” (we loved having those together!). I believe she lived her life to the fullest, having wonderful experiences and great adventures. Now she is on the other side with Rex and other dear friends. Be well and happy, Rachel!
Love, Joke


I will always hear "Rachel, where are you?" and Rachel replying patiently "I'm here, Rex." She was always there for him - but not only for him: she was a friend to so many of us, always ready to celebrate something, organize an event, set up a trip, bring a dish, offer help.
They were part of our lives for so long that many didn't believe that they were really leaving Germany.  They left a void, but especially Rachel wanted so much to be near their daughters and families - and as much as they missed Germany and as much as we still miss them - they did the right thing.
One of my biggest challenges was to pack them out! Rachel wanted to take everything.  Rex left it up to me to talk her out of as much as possible but I know I didn't really succeed.
So many wonderful memories! They will always be in our hearts.


Rachel, the one who never ever forgot a birthday, always brought little gifts and cards for any celebration from Easter to St Patrick’s. 
A special and much loved woman. 

Rachel was great lady at our golf club in Heidelberg Germany. Her and her husband, Rex, were mainstays. She was there all the time helping out. The members all loved her. RIP 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 We knew Rachel and Rex from 1988-2000, our daughter Stefanie had a chance to have dinner with them on her visit back to Germany. Very warm and loveable couple.
Gary, Vickie and Stefanie Puckett

OBITUARY

Rachel Joyce Gribble

March 24, 1930 – June 26, 2019

Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary

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