Rachel Buckles died September 25, 2014, at age 90. Upon retiring from Drake University in 2005, she lived with her daughter Leanne and family at their home in Camano Island, Washington. After suffering a severe stroke, she lived the last couple of years of her life at Josephine Sunset Nursing Home in Stanwood, Washington. The family wishes to thank the staff at Josephine's for their love and care toward Rachel during her time there.Born in Northwood, Iowa in 1924 to Jennie and Truman Gabby, Rachel grew up in Clarksville and Lake Mills, Iowa. In 1949, she married the love of her life, Gerald Buckles, and together they enjoyed a happy marriage of 50 years and family life in West Des Moines, IA, with daughters Leanne (Steve Ebsen) and Janelle (Paul Morarie). Ged preceded his lovely wife in death in 2000.In addition to her daughters and their husbands, Rachel leaves behind her Grandchildren: Rachel Ebsen, Sarah (Ebsen) Sacora, John G. Ebsen, Ruthie Ebsen-Fey and husband Jared Fey, Justin Morarie, and Dallas Morarie. Also Great-Grandchildren: Christian Ebsen, Andrew Imhoff, Emily Imhoff, Hannah Sacora and Michaela Sacora…all of these Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren were so very loved by her and brought her great joy.Rachel, a beloved Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Wife, Grandma, and devoted Mother, also leaves behind many treasured friends from her 36 years of helping Drake University reach its goals. From 1969 to 2005, she cared meticulously and lovingly for the atmosphere in the buildings of Medbury Hall and the Oreon Scott Chapel as well as serving faculty and students as administrative secretary for the Department of Philosophy and Religion, the Center for the Humanities, and the Department of Rhetoric and Communication Studies.Rachel was an amazing person who made the world a better place through her long life of dedication to others, care for all living beings (especially her family and friends, plants and pets, miniature poodle Monte and her cat Mimzy.) She was an astute bridge player and a sharp, witty, and charming mentor. Her spirit is in God's keeping, and we look forward in love to "a great reunion" someday!