Rachael Erin Williams Noell

Rachael Erin Noell (Williams) – the most beautiful wife and mother ever – passed away on December 5th, 2013 from a life-long battle with chronic illness'. She was 36 years old and lived her life to the fullest and richest extent she was able.

Rachael, or Rach, was born in Portland, Oregon on Dec. 15, 1976.

She met her soulmate 21 years later. Emotionally bonded from the first minute they met in 1997, Rachael was married to James "Lance" Noell on March 21st, 2003.

A graduate of Gladstone High School, she went on to receive her Masters Degree in Special Education from Portland State University. She taught a wide range of classes, from elementary through high school, with an emphasis on autism. Rachael was possessed with a tremendous passion for helping others, especially those in situations beyond their control. During the last 6 years of her life she was forced, due to her health, to retire from work.

Rach touched the hearts of all of her friends. Everyone she met she loved.

She loved and appreciated the beauty of the Pacific Northwest from an early age. Being at the Coast and out in the wilderness meant more to her than being anywhere else (except with friends and loved ones). She lived day-by-day with pain, but despite her disabilities she fought, on a daily basis, and was always able to grab and hold onto every ray of hope and moment of happiness; always a joy to be around. She loved the outdoors and loved camping. She spent a majority of her time at home and when she was able, she would choose to go camping with her husband – and her cat Max – over any other getaway. She never left the woods without a smile.

Rachael was preceded in death by her mother, Sandi Williams and her grandmother, Eleanor (Ooma) Bracken and grandfater in law Raymond Odom.

Rachael is survived by her husband, Lance Noell, stepdaughter Bailey Noell, father and stepmother Gordon and Sharon Williams, mother in law Beth Odom, sisters Melissa Catto (and Jack) and Noelle Cecil, brother Geoffrey Cecil (and Katie), Aunt and Uncle Bonnie and Duane Wentlandt, sister-in-law: Anita Johnson and husband Phil, sister-in-law: Celia Ledbetter, brother-in-law: Keith Odom and wife Becky, and many cousins (Brady and Trevor), nieces and nephews.

A private placement will be held on December 16th with a Celebration of Life scheduled for June 28, 2014 in Oregon City, Oregon. For details please contact Lance or Melissa (sister 503-360-2878).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests planting a tree in Rachael's name at the Arbor Day Foundation.

http://shop.arborday.org/content.aspx?page=commemorative-sample-tim

Rach is my Rock, my Wind, my Rain, and my Fire. - Lance Noell