Rachel P. Himes

Rachel P. Himes, 88, of Strasburg, died unexpectedly Friday, May 26, 2006, in Doctors Hospital, Massillon.

Born Jan. 2, 1918, in Bergton, Virginia, she was a daughter of the late Issac and Martha Dove Smith. Rachel moved with her family to Strasburg, where she met Alvin M. Himes. The couple was married on Nov. 7, 1940. Together they owned and operated the former Himes Texaco and Himes Trailer Sales, both of Strasburg, and the Crazy Eight Campground at Kimbolton.

Rachel was a member of First Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary, both of Strasburg. She very much enjoyed quilting, and belonged to the Busy Bee Quilters of First Lutheran. Rachel lovingly spent many hours making quilts for her children and grandchildren, signing and dating each one. These quilts will be cherished by her family for generations.

Her life revolved around her family, who she taught to love one another. Rachel especially liked hosting holiday gatherings, often with forty or more people in attendance �" family friends and neighbors. It cannot be left out that Rachel was an excellent cook.

Survivors include her husband, Alvin; two daughters, Carol (Joseph) Schott, and Jane (Louis) McGrath, both of Strasburg; a son, David (Judy) Himes, also of Strasburg; seven grandchildren, Michelle McRae, Cathleen Samson, Michael Himes, Marc McGrath, Christine Dreher, Cynthia Buckohr and Janelle Allensworth; seventeen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mabel Schenk, and Vita Aul of Ashland; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Rachel was preceded in death by three brothers, Edward Smith, Dr. Ralph Smith and Issac Smith Jr.

Holy Communion celebrating Rachel�(TM)s life will be held Wednesday, May 31, at 11 a.m., in First Lutheran Church, Strasburg, with Pastor Steven Woyen officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Union Cemetery, Strasburg. Following the committal, there will be a meal in the church. Family and friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, 803 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, on Tuesday, May 30, 5 �" 8 p.m. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Rachel, please visit the funeral home�(TM)s Web site and click on “obituaries.”

The family suggests that contributions in memory of Rachel be made to First Lutheran Church, 211 Eighth St. S.W., Strasburg, OH 44680.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com