Rachel Elizabeth Damron, 89, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 4:10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, at Life Care Center of Rochester.

On Nov. 17, 1925, Rachel was born in Pikeville, Ky., a cherished daughter of Floyd and Dorothy Tackett Bumgardner. Growing up she shared her childhood with four sisters and three brothers. She moved to North Manchester in 1941 and two years later moved to Rochester. Rachel and Carl Damron were married on March 14, 1944, in Rochester. Their union of nearly 71 years produced two sons. Over the years two more generations have been added to the family tree.

During her 23 year of nursing career, Rachel worked for Dr. Charles Richardson MD and later Dr. Joseph Richardson MD. She retired from Dr. Joe Richardson’s office.

A dedicated member of the Church of the Nazarene of Rochester, Rachel served her church as secretary and treasurer. She taught Sunday school to the teen group hosting many pizza parties and slumber parties for the kids through the years.

To relax Rachel enjoyed crocheting, making many gifts of warmth. She crocheted afghans, doilies and dolls. At home from her kitchen command post, Rachel was a baker of extraordinary pies. Her hamburger pies and peanut butter pies were second to none. She is also remembered for her piping hot pecan and butterscotch pies served straight from the oven. Nothing delighted her more than cooking for her family.

She is survived by her husband: Carl; two sons: Earl (Paula) Dean Damron, Rochester; Rodney Eugene Damron, Big Rock, Ill.; five grandchildren: Eric, Christopher, Keith, David and Beth; eight great-grandchildren; a sister: Mary Meyer, Rochester; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Rachel in death are her parents; a grandson: Harold Damron; three sisters: Ellen Anderson, Jessie Stout, Carrie Katherine Willis; and three brothers: Monroe, Bennie, and William Bumgardner.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at Good Family Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the Rochester Church of the Nazarene. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday Jan. 23, at the church. Rev. Don Meyer will officiate services. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.