Rachel Arlene Steele

RICHMOND, Ind. – Rachel Arlene Steele, age 12, of Richmond was taken to Heaven while in her father’s arms on Thursday, January 22, 2015, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on March 29, 2002, to Brian and Roxanne Ganiere Steele. Rachel had attended RCS Early Learning Center for pre-school, becoming a homebound student in kindergarten. She enjoyed having her teachers come to the home for story time and art. Rachel had the best care from her nurses including Rachel, Rebecca, Shawnda, Amy, and Jerena. She loved her nurses. Rachel’s smiles, laughter, and beautiful eyes warmed everyone’s soul. All of her medical providers, therapists, and friends were each an important part of her life. She was a member of First English Lutheran Church where she participated in VBS as her health permitted. Rachel did not have a long life, but it was full of love. She visited family and traveled to 10 states and Washington D.C. She had traveled by car, van, airplane, helicopter, and boat. Her Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World in 2005 was a dream trip. Rachel was a world class snuggler and her smile melted everyone’s heart. She was the inspiration for her mother to be a founding member of Families For HoPE, Inc. Rachel’s beautiful life has helped her parents work to support hundreds of other families touched by Holoprosencephaly. She inspired many to help serve others who are in need or disabled. Rachel’s legacy will live on through her parents; sisters, Mariah and Sara; twin brother, Nathan; grandparents, Helen True, Jeff and Betsy Ganiere; aunts; uncles; cousins; and many friends. In addition to her Savior, she was greeted in Heaven by her grandparents, Robert and Dolores Steele; all of her great-grandparents; and many other children who were also born with Holoprosencephaly. Visitation for Rachel Arlene Steele will be from 4 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2015, at First English Lutheran Church, 2727 East Main Street, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at First English Lutheran Church with Pastor John R. Walker and Pastor Brian Derrer officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wayne County Foundation, 33 South 7th Street, Suite 1, Richmond, IN 47374 or Families For HoPE, Inc., 1219 N. Wittfield Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Rachel Arlene Steele

March 29, 2002 - January 22, 2015