Glendale, Arizona - Rachel Esther (McBeth) Brand passed on December 24, 2024, after a difficult battle with

dementia.

Rachel was born on July 30, 1933, in Arcadia Florida The daughter of Rev. Paul McBeth

and Esther McCullough McBeth. She was preceded in death by her husband, H. William

(Bill) Brand in 1994, and is survived by their son, Michael Brand of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Rachel was also preceded in death by two brothers, Ethan McBeth of Manheim,

Pennsylvania and Joseph McBeth of Chambersburg Pennsylvania.

She is survived by two other brothers, David McBeth of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania,

and John McBeth of Akron, Pennsylvania, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-

nieces and nephews, and a great-great nephew.

Rachel's son, Michael, was her primary focus and joy throughout her life, and she

supported him through his many endeavors in education and career, taking pride in his

accomplishments.

The closest members of her extended family were her nephew Steve McBeth and his

wife Jana, and daughters Lauren McBeth, Stephanie McBeth Curtiss, and Julia McBeth.

They loved her as their "California Mom and Grandma". It was because of her that

Steve and Jana originally moved to CA from PA. This was instrumental for her as they

supported her through the devastating decline of her husband's rare degenerative

muscle disease, that ended with his death in 1994.

Rachel originally attended Messiah Academy School and then Messiah College in

Grantham Pennsylvania. She moved to Upland College in CA, then went up to

Western Evangelical Seminary in Portland, OR for her Masters in Religious Education.

She continued her education at Univ. of California Santa Barbara, and California

Lutheran for special education studies.

She worked in elementary education at Upland Unified School district, Cucamonga Jr

High School, Ventura Unified School District, Baptist Temple Academy and Ventura

Christian School. She then became Dean of Instruction/Director of Ed with Sawyer

College in Ventura, CA.

She also found her dream job as the Director of Children's Ministries at First Baptist

church in Ventura, a position she held for nearly 15 years. Her zest for this position was

felt by all who knew her.

After moving to Arizona, she became a paraprofessional for special needs children at

Deer Valley Unified School Dist. While there, she formed a deep relationship with

several of her students and their families who stayed close to her for the rest of her life.

This was a deeply fulfilling job for her even though it was difficult at times for her

physically.

Her deepest passion later in life was quilting. At the peak of her life, she made the most

strikingly beautiful and creative quilts, wall hangings and tabletop décor that will live on

with her entire extended family and friends for years and years.

There are 3 couples and their families, that Rachel's family would like to acknowledge

who were a major part in her life in Arizona: Diane and Dan White (who first knew her

in California), Lisa and Keith Paffrath, and Ruth and Richard Stewart. She loved them

dearly and the family is so grateful for all their support and help especially at the end of

Rachel's life.

Rachel will be missed, but we know she is now whole in heaven with her Lord and

Savior, Jesus Christ, who was her whole reason for living. A private memorial will be

held in lieu of a funeral as her true celebration of life was held at her 90 th birthday a year

ago, when many friends and family gathered together for the special occasion.

Condolences may be sent to Michael Brand at 7287 Spring Flower Ave, Las Vegas, NV

89117, and Steve & Jana McBeth at 310 Timberbrook Dr., Sharpsburg, GA 30277.