Rachel Schwartz

She loved to wear socks with crazy designs and patterns. She loved the color red. She loved macaroni and cheese and powdered donuts. She was always doing or making something – artistic and practical in the same package. She made friends wherever she went. These are just a few of the many memories shared by friends and family of Rachel Schwartz of Russellville who died March 30, 2014, following a nearly four-year battle with brain cancer. Rachel was 32. Her family was by her side. "To know Rachel was to love her," said her father, Ron Schwartz of Russellville. "She was an adventurous, free-spirited soul who wasn't afraid to try anything. Most of the time, she was marching to her own drum, but at the same time wasn't weird about it. Most of all, she loved Jesus and served Him and His Church with all her heart. The world is a better place because of her life and a poorer place in her death. She will be missed immensely." Mary Jane Pierce Sims, a friend from the many years Rachel lived in Hot Springs remembers, "Rachel made me see the beauty in little things. I called her my rainbow because she brought brightness to my life. Rachel has always been there for me." Rachel was born Aug. 19, 1981, in Russellville. She always loved education – whether teaching or attending school. She was an art teacher at Lakeside Schools. She also taught at Centerpoint and Mountain Pine schools. She had an associate degree in theology from Christ For The Nations Institute in Dallas, a bachelor's degree in communications from Dallas Baptist University and a bachelor's degree in art education from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. Before the latest round of surgeries and medicines, Rachel was pursuing a master's degree in counseling from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Rachel had a beautiful singing voice, which she shared with the worship teams at Fellowship of Christians in Russellville and Lake Valley Community Church in Hot Springs. Rachel is survived by her parents, Darla and Fred Rix of Russellville and Ron and Mary Schwartz of Russellville; brother and sister-in-law Nathaniel and Niki Schwartz of Russellville; nieces Ayden Schwartz and Kynli and Jayli Harrison; grandparents Laverne Heilos of Paris, Ark., Van and Marilyn Moores of Little Rock (formerly of Russellville) and Carolyn Rix of Hot Springs; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The family wants to say a special thank you to the Lakeside School District family for their unwavering support during this difficult time. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Fellowship of Christians, 1680 Sparksford Drive, Russellville, Arkansas, under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Visitation to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, send donations to 20th Century Club's Hope Away From Home Lodge, 4011 Maryland Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72204, www.hopeawayfromhome.org or Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116 www.arkansashospice.org.