It’s hard to believe that my sister-in-law, Rachel Schulenberg, has been in Heaven for five years now. Rachel married my brother-in-law, Ron Schulenberg on June 12th, 2010, and with her came three children, Cassie Franklin, Riley Birky, and Tucker Birky, who Ron later adopted. Rachel was with is for 10½ years before she went home to be with her Lord at the very young age of just 45 years. While we only had Rachel with us for a fleeting moment, her impact far outlived her presence. Rachel was working at her church when she and Ron were introduced by her friend, Susan Griffith, who happened to be Ron’s niece. That introduction was the best thing that ever happened to my brother-in-law.
Rachel was very dedicated to our Lord and told everyone she met about Him. She was loved by everyone who 
met her. She had a kind and loving heart, and a sweet spirit. The 10½ years were the best years of Ron’s life. They were very happy. Before Rachel, Ron was adrift. She completed him, and her passing was a devastation to him. We all lost a very dear friend and family member that day. Rachel’s passing was very unexpected…a massive stroke too her from us before she knew anything was wrong. By the time Ron could get her to the hospital, the damage to her brain was irreversible. It was a terrible loss.
We all think of Rachel often, and we miss her a lot. Her passing is especially hard on Susan and her sister, Machelle Moore, because they knew Rachel the longest. At the time they introduced her to Ron, she was living in Powell, Wyoming, which is where Susan and Machelle live as well. Ron made a lot of trips from Casper to 
Powell in those early days. He was taken with her from the very start. It was probably the most the girls saw their uncle in years, but they were happy about that. They knew that Rachel was perfect for Ron, and he for her. Not all matchmaking works out so well, but this matchmaking event certainly worked out well. Today would have been Rachel’s 51st birthday. Happy birthday in Heaven, Rachel. We love and miss you very much.
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