Rachelle Kay Leroy

1995 - 2021

Rachelle Kay Leroy, 25, of St. Louis, formerly of Hamilton, Ill., passed away Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, in St. Louis.

Rachelle was born Sept. 16, 1995, in Carthage, Ill., the daughter of William "Bill" M. and Mindy (Taylor) Leroy.

She was employed as an assistant produce manager by Schnucks grocery store on Lindberg Avenue and was very successful, gaining the attention of Mr. Todd Schnuck who commented on her ability, "She is industrious and congenial, a nice combination. Rachelle had a future with our company!" She expected perfection from herself and her associates. She was strong-willed, but still had a great passion for life.

Rachelle was artistic and would express her creativity in a variety of mediums, including painting, glass work, and fabric; she used whatever she had to work with. She was a great cook, but rarely cooked. Her favorite meals were her mom's biscuits and gravy, fresh oysters on the half-shell, dad's baked salmon, clam chowder, calamari, and homemade puppy chow.

Rachelle thrived in St. Louis and enjoyed the "hustle and bustle" the city offered. She enjoyed visiting the various venues in St. Louis, especially museums and restaurants. She liked Broadway Oyster Bar and Bristol Seafood in particular. Rachelle recently participated in St. Louis Mardi Gras, and was also a St. Louis Blues Hockey fan. She wanted to do everything she could to enjoy the city.

Rachelle loved home also. She liked boating and doing "break-checks" in the jet boat, riding all-terrain vehicles at the cabin, and having campfires. She just loved the river. Although nobody would ever catch her in a go-cart...she liked speed. She attended N.H.R.A. drag racing at St. Louis Motor Speedway.

Most of all, Rachelle loved her family and would go on many adventures with her parents, Bill and Mindy. A favorite was Boston, Mass., where she was treated like the Queen that she is (RIP Billy Brooks). "Ponto," as her dad lovingly called her, liked taking trips with her mom and dad to Panama City Beach and Apalachicola, Fla., and Texas to visit friends, including her godmother, Pat Reed. Denver, Colorado was also a place she liked to visit with friends.

Other bits and pieces about Rachelle: she was of the Catholic Faith, she had been going to Wednesday night church with friends, and believed in Karma. Her favorite songs were "Amazing Grace." "Follow Me" by Uncle Kracker, "Dancing in the Sky" by Dani and Lizzy, and "Angel" by Shaggy. Her teeth were perfect, and her hair was beautiful. She always smelled good.

In addition to her parents, Rachelle is survived by her aunts and uncles, Rod and Shelly Taylor of Chandlerville, Ill., Joseph Leroy of Hamilton, Matthew and Hootie Leroy of Hamilton, and Techa Peterson of Hamilton. She is also survived by many cousins.

Rachelle was preceded in death by her grandparents, W.E. and Fae Leroy, and Frank and Sonja Taylor.

Memorial contributions in memory of Rachelle Leroy may be made to the donor's choice.

A Christian Mass will be at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at All Saints Catholic Church, Keokuk. Father Brownfield will officiate.

A festival of life to share memories with family and friends will be celebrated Saturday, March 13, from 2-4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, Columbian Hall, Keokuk.

Online condolences may be shared and a video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.