Was honored to be part of the Academy for Spiritual Formation with Rachel in Nashville. A wise and gracious friend with a ministry of hospitality that we talked about.

Betty, you have my sympathy in your loss of Rachel. I loved the picture and could remember her the minute I saw ir.

Rachel was a colleague and friend of mine for years. I, too, was a Diaconal Minister and Christian Educator. She was such a warm, caring and spiritual person. I truly admired her. I was so sorry that I could not attend her service or her visitation. I want to offer my sincere sympathy to you in this loss. May God grant you comfort and peace.

Heaven will be a better place because Rachel is there!! I never knew a more caring, loving individual. Rachel was like the older sister I never had. I loved her sense of humor and her encouraging ways. We even roomed together one year at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy MA where she received her BA degree. It was always a blessing to reconnect. While my husband, Franklin, and I were living in Europe in the 90's Rachel visited us on one of her trips. What a joy to introduce her to the beautiful surroundings in Germany and Switzerland. Her life was devoted to her passion for people and Christ. She truly lived for others. I am grateful she is at peace!! My love and prayers go to all the family!!

My wife, Chris, and I send our thoughts of comfort to the family at this time of sorrow and sadness. We know that Rachel had been in declining health in recent years. We remember with great pleasure our visit in May of 2011. Although not related directly, we had many pleasant occasions when we were together. I specifically remember a family gathering in Burlington in the mid-1950s. Rachel was closer in age to my older sister and brother and there was a genuine feeling of family connection between them. Rachel came to visit my parents in their later years and those times are treasured memories as well. We trust that you also have feelings of relief and rejoicing in knowing that Rachel's eternal resting place is without pain and discomfort, and in the presence of our Great Savior and Lord.

May you all have a full measure of God's grace and peace, John

Rachel was a wonderful neighbor & Dear Friend to My Family for most of my life! She will be remembered fondly & missed very much.

hi i recently saw rachel ireland in the obituaries. i wcletusas wondering if she might be a relative. my family is all from fairfeild, ia. my father was cletus ireland, his mother was anor hoskins-ireland, and her sister was zora hoskins-lundquist. your in my pray's god bless you all.----- monte ireland

Rachel was a unique and caring individual. Because of her ability to understand, relate and lead, she was one of few people who I would listen to. I will always remember her laugh and the way she made everyone feel important and unique. Like her father, she was a selfless individual, always placing the kingdom above all else. Whatever was needed, Rachel was always there to fulfill someones needs. I went four times on the Appalachia service project, each time trying to be on her team. She worked hard and everyone viewed her as the unquestioned leader. The time we spit chewing tobacco out the window of her car, leaving streaks down both sides was so funny. When we pulled up and saw what we'd done, everyone was fearful Rachel would be mad. Instead, she laughed, saying the car needed a wash anyway! That was her attitude towards all adversity. There were so many times she should've given up on me and yet, never did. I will always be grateful for her mentoring and her many visits with my mother. I wish her family the best and look forward to seeing Rachel on the other side, where she is undoubtedly still working for the greater good of humanity. She was a good and faithful servant and the world could use more people willing to follow in her footsteps.

I grew up in the First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls. I remember Rachel as our Christian Education director. She always seemed to be at the church with a smile and an encouraging word for all. I still attend that church and am currently serving as lay leader, which is partially due to the wonderful example I saw in Rachel when I was a child. I'm sure that she touched more young lives than she could possible know. Thank you Rachel.