Rachel Best

As the sun was setting over her beloved Crabtree Mountain home on October 1, 2025, Rachel Nicole Best, at the age of 41, peacefully departed this world, finally free from the malignant brain tumor she had bravely and hopefully battled for 21 years.

Rachel was born on June 11, 1984, to her parents, Randy and Jill Best, in upper Crabtree. She enjoyed spending her childhood days playing with her sister, Maggie, her "cousin like a brother," Jeremy, and a host of other cousins and friends, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime. They all especially enjoyed spending time at their Mamaw and Papaw's house where Rachel could often be found helping her grandmother work in the kitchen. Her favorite job was rolling dough and cutting out biscuits to eat with chocolate gravy that she often requested.

Rachel began her educational journey at Crabtree School, where she was the only girl in a kindergarten class of thirteen students. After graduating from Tuscola High School in 2002, Rachel went on to pursue higher education at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College, nurturing her dream of becoming a chef. Discovery of a brain tumor and major surgery prevented Rachel from realizing her dream. During periods of remission, she worked as a chocolatier at the Chocolate Fetish in Asheville. She also worked at the Bee Charmer and at the Spice and Tea Exchange. Rachel lived in San Franscisco, California for a while where she worked at a French bakery and caterer. When she came home to North Carolina, she became self-employed in catering and baking wedding cakes.

Rachel married Ryan Shola and they became foster parents to a 3-month-old baby boy, whom they nurtured until his parents became able to care for him. They also rescued several orphaned goats and sheep, giving them extraordinary care. Rachel and Ryan spent a lot of time traveling around the country in an RV with their two rescue dogs. They were fortunate to experience much of the beautiful scenery, recreational opportunities, and cuisine that America has to offer.

Rachel was a very creative being. Some of her hobbies included metalsmithing, crafting silver and turquoise jewelry, visiting art galleries, mushroom hunting, hiking, reading, growing succulents, and cooking. A mission trip to Honduras was a favorite experience. She loved big family gatherings. Rachel was a naturist, believing that we should do no harm to the earth God has given us. She was also an advocate for animals, becoming involved in animal welfare organizations. As a teen she became convinced that each animal has a desire to live, just as we do. Her conscience would not allow her to eat meat or any product that caused an animal to lose its life. Rachel will be remembered for her bright smile, her passion for what she believed, for her fearless approach to new experiences, and for the steadfast hope she had that she would overcome cancer.

Rachel was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Bob Street. She is survived by her father, Randy Best of Upper Crabtree, and her mother, Jill Street Best, of Waynesville. She is also survived by her sister, Maggie Best Bramlett and Maggie's children, Haiden and Jake Woods (whom she adored), as well as her paternal grandparents, Ben and Clarine Best, and her maternal grandmother, Mildred Street Ledbetter. Rachel is also survived by her canine sons, Doug and Zen, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and special caregivers, Melanie Fouchi, RN and Kaylee Medford.

A service for Rachel will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Rock Springs Baptist Church 2554 Liner Creek Road, Clyde. The visitation will be held at the church from noon to 2:00 pm prior to the service. The service will begin at 2 O'clock, after which she will be returned to the earth on Crabtree Mountain, which she called home.

In Lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Rachel's memory with a donation to her favorite charity: Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd. Kanab, UT 8474-5000 Attn: Donor Relations/JS or by phone 435-919-3835 option 1; or by website at https: bestfriends.org/donate/remembering-an-animal-lover

The care of Ms. Best has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.