Rachel Garcia

In the song of life, Rachel Garcia was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would spend her time creating and talking, Rachel preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense, Rachel believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Rachel perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

Rachel was born on October 31, 1953 at Wickenburg Hospital in Wickenburg, Arizona. Her parents were Cornelio and Josephine Torres. Rachel was raised in Salome and Parker, Arizona. As a young child, Rachel was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Rachel rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

Early on in her family relationships, Rachel showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with four siblings, Sisters Veronica, Elva, and Monica, and Brother Nathan. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As she was growing up, Rachel developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things. Whether it was drawing pictures, Rachel liked concrete things. In her spare time she liked riding her bike. To Rachel, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Early on in her school years, Rachel showed an interest in learning. At times, school learning did not provide Rachel with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, she could often be “lost in a book” well above her grade level. Her passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even her teachers recognized it. She graduated from Parker High School in 1972. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English and Reading/Writing.

In college, Rachel showed that she was able to focus on what was necessary. She found it quite easy to dive headlong into classes, especially those that truly interested her. Using her understanding of language, Rachel was able to move comfortably through a wide variety of courses. She also demonstrated her artistic temperament and talent. Rachel’s ability to assemble highly creative projects became second nature to her. She earned her Associate Degree in 2005 in Theology and in 2007 her Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. Her favorite courses were Prophecy and Church Doctrine. Her favorite professor was Pastor Robert Ortega.

Those who didn’t know Rachel well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Rachel was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Rachel’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. While growing up, some of her best friends were Esther (Salcido) Agredano, Debbie Silva, Debbie Allen and Sherry Page. Later in life, she became friends with Alice Madonensky, Monica (Corcino) Rosnagle, Debbie Silva, Dina Martinez, Sherry Page and Virginia Hernandez.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Rachel had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On August 13, 1977, Rachel exchanged wedding vows with the love of her life Jose Garcia at the Parker Apostolic Church of Parker, Arizona.

Rachel was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness. Rachel was blessed with three children, Delise, Rebekah, Joseph "Milo". They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Ethan, Elika, Jake and one on the way

Rachel found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was a Medical Biller and Bilingual Family Service Advocate. She was employed for 30 years for various doctors in the Parker area and 8 years for CRIT Headstart. Rachel tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

Rachel enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were gardening, planting, church activities, and most of all winning souls for Jesus! Rachel was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

Throughout her life, Rachel was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout her later years, Rachel was an active member of First Things First for the past 5 years. She had a tendency to bring peace to her relationships by avoiding disagreements.

Rachel’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Parker Apostolic Church for 48 years. During that time, she was Sunday School Teacher, Women’s Advisor, Camp Counselor, and Children’s Choir Director. Rachel's passionate commitment to upholding her values placed her at home in her religion, where she took comfort in the company of others who believed as she did.

Because she loved the world around her, Rachel enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Rachel put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included Dana Point, Honeymoon in San Diego, Seattle, Washington, and Disneyland.

Rachel was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Rachel’s favorites were her two birds.

When Rachel’s retirement arrived in 2011, she it was bittersweet. In retirement, she found new pleasure in Lifetime and Hallmark movies, reading her bible, praying and most of all her grandchildren. Even in retirement, Rachel continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of her life, she became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her and simply enjoying what she had worked so hard to attain.

Rachel passed away on December 30, 2013 at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. She is survived by her husband: Jose Garcia, Daughters: Delise (Daniel) Beavers and Rebekah (Jose) Canchola, Grandchildren: Ethan and Elika Beavers, Jake and Baby Canchola, Parents: Cornelio and Josephine Torres, Siblings: Elva, Monica and Nathan, Mother in law: Amparo Garcia, Brother in laws: Richard (Mirna) Garcia, Salvador (Hope) Garcia and Jesse Garcia, and lots of nieces, nephews and other family members. Services were held at Parker Apostolic Church on January 8th, 2014 from 9am-12pm. Rachel was laid to rest in Parker Town Cemetery in Parker, Arizona.

Rachel was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Rachel always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Rachel was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Rachel Garcia.