Rachel Marie Thomas, age 29, of Kalamazoo, Michigan and formerly of Dwight, Illinois, went to her heavenly home on January 31, 2022. Rachel was born on November 14, 1992 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She was a graduate of Pontiac Township High School and attended Heartland Community College in Illinois, Cornerstone University in Michigan, and the University of Illinois. Rachel was a kind and generous person with an incredible wit and sense of humor. She loved intellectual conversations and debates. Rachel was never selfish with her time and devoted many hours volunteering for Salt & Light Ministry, local animal shelters and was an advocate and spokesperson for those with disabilities. She loved to crochet, write poetry, fly trick kites, raising hedgehogs, and cooking. Rachel’s spirit soared when she was worshiping God when attending Casting Crowns concerts. The love that Rachel showed to the world transcended the unique challenges that befell her in her short life. One of the greatest priorities in life should be TO LOVE and to BE LOVED . . . and that’s how Rachel, with her invincible spirit, lived her life. In the course of her all-too-short lifetime, she adventured to many places: Voyageurs National Park, Canada, California, Yellowstone, Wyoming, Florida, whitewater rafted in Montana and even kayaked and rode a sled dog sleigh in remote Alaska. Academically, Rachel was a class mentor and valedictorian. Rachel is survived by her loving mother, Christine Marie (Lasser) Thomas; her loving father, Richard Lee Thomas; two brothers: Richard Stephen Thomas and Timothy Frank Thomas; maternal grandfather, Frank A. Lasser; paternal grandmother, Ruth Ann Luber; many loving aunts, uncles and cousins; numerous loyal friends; and her service dog and faithful companion, Scout. Rachel was preceded in death by her grandmother, Carolyn B. Lasser. A service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Rachel’s memory may be given to 4 Paws for Ability (https://www.4pawsforabili ty.org/). “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7 If you have any Rachel stories to share, please forward them to NurseRichardThomas @gmail.com