Rachelle Louise Koontz Rawson

Obituary

Rachelle Louise Rawson (née Koontz), a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Born on January 28, 1947, in Pasadena, California, Rachelle lived a life marked by compassion, faith, and service to others.
She was the daughter of Richard and Louise Koontz, who predeceased her. She grew up in California alongside her sisters, Kristina Orum and Renee Whitney. Kristina survives her, along with her husband David. Rachelle also shared a close bond with her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, George and Sharon Rawson.
A deeply empathetic woman by nature and profession, Rachelle dedicated her career to nursing. Her work brought comfort and support to countless families during their most challenging times. Beyond her professional life, she extended this same care to friends and neighbors. Whether delivering meals or offering assistance, Rachelle was always the first to lend a helping hand.
To maximize her time at home with her daughters, Rachelle owned and operated canning and baking businesses that showcased her culinary talents. She grew "Shelly’s Jellies" from a small operation in her family’s kitchen to a full line of canned jams, jellies, chutneys, and pickles produced commercially. She traveled around the Western United States selling these products. Though she considered herself a reluctant entrepreneur, she was undeniably a successful one!
Rachelle’s love for nature was evident in the vibrant garden she cultivated with care and creativity. Her roses, irises, and peonies were not only a source of personal joy but also a gift she generously shared by offering clippings to appreciative friends and neighbors. Her dogs were another source of constant joy, providing companionship as she tended to her garden or enjoyed quiet moments at home.
Faith was her cornerstone. She was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church in Newport Beach, California, where she served on the vestry. After moving to Raleigh, she became deeply involved with Holy Trinity Anglican Church as part of the prayer team and altar guild. Her unwavering Christian faith guided her actions and provided strength throughout her days.
Rachelle is survived by her two daughters: Sarah Rachelle Sprouse (husband Todd Sprouse) and Louise Margaret Ochart (husband Aaron Ochart). She was a proud grandmother to Alexandra Rachelle Sprouse, James Matthew Sprouse, and Asher James Ochart. Her family brought immense joy to her heart and will carry forward her legacy of kindness and love.
Rachelle’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her—family members who cherished her presence; friends who relied on her compassion; neighbors who admired her beautiful garden; and the many lives she impacted through her nursing career. May she rest in eternal peace as those who loved her find comfort in the enduring legacy of faith, love, and service that defined her beautiful journey.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 30th at 2:00 PM at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 100 E Peace St, Raleigh, NC 27604. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Samaritan's Purse through this link, www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/rachelle-rawson-raleigh-nc/. 

Gallery

Memory wall

July 11, 2026

I’ll always remember days playing with cocker spaniels and pineapple floats. Love and prayers sent to my cousins 🩵 I know she is watching over all of us now. 🪽❤️

Rhesa Cantu

July 10, 2026

So many memories it’s hard to pin point one. The days we spend at the lake forest house will always be cherished. The puppies she raised, her amazing jelly and hostess skills, naps while listening to tapes in her room, her prayers when she put us to bed, her amazing laugh. She was such an amazing spirit.

Sondra Ferrigno

Service

Donate