Rachel D. Garza, age 69 of Rock City, IL, passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at Alden Debes Rehab & Health Care in Rockford, IL. She was born March 27, 1952 in Saginaw, MI; the daughter of the late Ruben and Ramona (Vasquez) Garza. She graduated from Spring Vale Academy in Owosso, MI. She later attended the University of South Florida and Rock Valley College.

Rachel was a medical Librarian for Swedish American Hospital in Rockford and was a founder of that library. She also worked for FHN in Freeport as a respiratory therapist and EKG technician. She also was part of their medical library and served as an interrupter in the ER.

The biggest part of her life was her church, New Beginnings Church of Rock City. She was very active in the church and a member of 50 years. She was musically talented, playing the French horn, guitar and piano which was her first love. She also sang at nursing homes in the Freeport and Rockford area and wrote songs that she put out on CD.

She is survived by her sisters, Alice (Mark) Vlad of Rock City and Rita (Mark) Watkins of Saginaw, MI; 4 nephews; 3 nieces; and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Ruben Garza, Jr.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at New Beginnings Church in Rock City. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. A memorial fund has been established in her name. The Daughenbaugh Funeral Home of Dakota is assisting her family. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.