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Rachel Rae (Franklin) Schulenberg passed away on Jan. 19, 2021, at Wyoming Medical Center, in Casper, Wyoming, following a stroke.
Rachel was born in Powell on March 4, 1975, to Clifton and Connie (Mooren) Franklin. When Rachel was one month past 10 years old, her mother passed away. It was such a hard time for Rachel. Her parents had divorced, and her dad had remarried to Jan Gorsch, who became Rachel’s treasured second mom. Rachel began her schooling in Powell, but while she was still young, the family moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, where she finished her public schooling, graduating from Sheridan High School in 1993. She also attended Northwest College in Powell to study business administration.
Rachel gave birth to her daughter Cassandra Franklin on May 25, 1991. She was a wonderful single mom who worked very hard to raise her daughter, who was her mini-me, and to give her a good life. For a while, Rachel’s main focus was her daughter and graduating from high school. These were proud moments in her life. Cassie would also give Rachel her beloved grandchildren, Lucas Iverson, born on July 3, 2011, and Zoey Iverson, born on July 31, 2015. Rachel loved being a grandmother and was honored to have these two precious babies.
Rachel married Chris Birky in August 1999. Their marriage ended in divorce, but gave Rachel her two sons, Riley on Oct. 11, 2000, and Tucker on Oct. 25, 2007. She would always be thankful for her children.
Rachel married the love of her life, Ronald Schulenberg, on June 12, 2010, in Powell. Their marriage was blessed with much love and great happiness. On June 27, 2019, Ron adopted Rachel’s son Tucker. It was the greatest moment of their lives together. Tucker had the daddy he needed, and Rachel knew that all their dreams of family had just come true. Rachel’s life was just what she had always dreamed it would be.
Rachel held several jobs over the years. She was an administrative assistant at the Powell Valley Healthcare, in the hospice department. Following her time there, Rachel was an administrative assistant for the Glad Tidings Church in Powell. After her move to Casper, she worked for Jensen Eye Care, First Presbyterian Church, Taco Bell, and finally, Walmart West. Rachel was well liked at Walmart, and everywhere she worked by coworkers and customers alike. Rachel worked in customer service at the self-checkout lanes. That made her very visible and her helpful ways endeared her to many customers.
If Rachel had a legacy, other than the precious family that she loved and cared for, it would be her caring spirit. She was a giver. She would do anything to help anyone. It was her passion. She loved making life easier for those around her and loved making people smile. Rachel never met a stranger.
Rachel was preceded in death by her mother, Connie (Mooren) Raymond; her stepmother, Jan (Gorsch) Franklin; her grandparents, Darwin and Naida (Buchan) Franklin and Merle and Waneta (Skipton) Mooren; as well as her in-laws, Walt and Joann Schulenberg.
She is survived by her husband of 10 wonderful years, Ron Schulenberg of Casper; her father, Clifton Franklin of Sheridan; daughter, Cassie (Chris) Iverson of Powell; sons, Riley Birky of Powell; and Tucker Schulenberg of Casper; and her grandchildren, Lucas and Zoey Iverson of Powell. She is also survived by her brother, BJ Franklin of Sheridan; stepbrothers, Robert Butz of Cheyenne; Wayne Butz (Shannon) of Worland; stepsisters Faye Dale (Delbert) of Riverton; Connie Haun (Tom) of Worland; and Tina Dunne (Mike) of Williston, North Dakota; her brother-in-law, Robert (Caryn) Schulenberg; sisters-in-law, Debbie (LJ) Cook, Jennifer Parmely (partner, Brian Cratty), and Brenda Schulenberg; several aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces, including her best friend, Machelle Moore, who became her niece when Rachel married Ron.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021, at Word Christian Fellowship Church, 1220 S Melrose Street, Casper, WY 82601.
A second service will be held on Feb. 6, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Glad Tidings Church, 777 E 7th St, Powell, WY 82435, with graveside services to follow.
Arrangements are entrusted to Bustard & Jacoby Funeral Home.
