Rachel Hope (Schrader) Witmer, 56

Rachel Hope (Schrader) Witmer, 56, of Los Angeles, Calif., was tragically killed Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in an automobile accident in Canon City, Colo.

She and her husband Ernest and their family were in Colorado to make preparations for and to attend the wedding of their son, Asher Witmer to Teresa Miller.

Rachel was born Dec. 23, 1955, and raised in Freeport, Ill., in the home of Ronald and Marianna Schrader. She was the oldest of seven siblings: Miriam (Lester) Schrock, Becky (Gary) Hershberger, Ruthanna (Mark) Yoder, Dan (Bonita) Schrader, Dave (Ann Marie) Schrader, and Tim (Lynette) Schrader.

Rachel gave her heart to Jesus Christ at the young age of 12 years, and was “born again” by faith into the family of God. She received Christian baptism and was a life-long member of the Mennonite denomination. For her entire life she was passionate and practical about her faith, encouraging many people young and old along the way with her spiritual giftings of compassion, mercy, and service to others. Her love language was “quality time,” and “deeds of service.”

After graduating from Dakota High School in Dakota, Ill., Rachel attended Rosedale Bible College in Berlin, Ohio, as well as Maranatha Bible School in southern Minnesota.

As a young adult Rachel served for several years in voluntary service with Red Lake Gospel Missions at Poplar Hill, Ontario as a first grade teacher. She later taught grades 1-3 for six years at the Kitchi Pines Christian School in Blackduck, Minn.

For the past 20 years Rachel has been a passionate homeschool mother to her own five children, graduating them all through high school with the support of her husband Ernest. She was currently taking their youngest son through 11th grade curriculum.

On Oct. 20, 1984, Rachel married Ernest Witmer whom she loved dearly and honored tremendously. He says,“Being Rachel’s husband for the past 28 years and 17 days has been the most honorable experience any man could ask for! She has been the most WONDERFUL, godly, beautiful woman who has ever walked this earth! The combination of character qualities she allowed God to develop within her are unparalleled when it comes to sensitivity and mercy combined with practical wisdom, insight, and discernment. I could not help but grow and mature living with her all these years. And our children all reflect the beauty of her grace and strength.

“But the most precious thing about her was her sense of humility and modesty. While she had a rock-solid inner confidence she herself knew about, she was also keenly aware that others may not see her as confidently. And so she questioned herself way too much, and a few others did too. I only pray they too will someday benefit from the example of her life as do the rest of us. When the nurse and chaplain in the emergency room the other day, gave me her wrist watch, they asked if there was more jewelery I wanted them to retrieve. They said, they couldn't find any more. I said, ‘Oh... you need to know that her jewelry was all inside her heart, and it found it’s way out shining radiantly through her face and disposition. She was decorated inside and out with many, many jewels of character and grace. Yes, this was everything she had.’ Oh... I miss her SO MUCH already! Every day ahead looks like an eternity to me. Please pray for me! Pray that I can be overwhelmed with the mere presence of Jesus! He is calling me apart.

“Rachel was my wife and lover. I could never have asked for more! My perfect complement. She balanced my life, personality, and giftings so well! Her femininity against my masculinity… not sure we ever figured that one out completely. I NEEDED her... and she knew it! I feel like I still need her!! But God has called her home to Himself. And since we have been God-worshippers all our lives, I will not stop worshiping Him now... albeit bent steeply over the altar of lament. She would want me to worship in faithfulness to our God!

“Our love relationship produced five wonderful children! Carita Kae, Ernest Marcel (and Krista), Asher Lee (and Teresa), Kristi Anna, and Christopher Daniel. She was so passionate for them, and proud of them. Her mothering was the best ANY child could have received. So wise! So full of love and mercy! So ready to discipline when she KNEW that’s what they needed. So full of discerning insight! They are missing her SO MUCH!! Please pray for them too. Jesus is calling them into his presence too.”

Rachel served as Dean of Women at Maranatha Bible School in Lansing, Minn., in the years 1985 and 1986. She also served faithfully by Ernest’s side in pastoring the Northwood Mennonite Church in Littlefork, Minn., from 1990 to 1997. She was a faithful part of founding Christian Life Chapel in International Falls, Minn., where again she served so loyally alongside Ernest in pastoring the church there from 1997 to 2007.

Ernest and Rachel started the Crabtree Senior Home in 1996. Over the next 12 years Rachel gave her love and care to 18 elderly folks in the midst of loving her own family well and nurturing many other friendships and relationships.

Rachel moved with her husband and family to Los Angeles, Calif., in March of 2008 to begin inner-city ministry and church planting with DestiNATIONS International. She has also been an integral part of the Choice Books ministry, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in the general marketplace. Rachel was the heart and soul of the network of house-fellowships that are currently spawning in northeast L.A. She served gently, discerningly, and always with life-giving faithfulness alongside her husband until the Lord called her home.

Rachel has hundreds of friends scattered across this country from coast to coast and around the world. And while she carried that meek and quiet spirit which the Bible says is “in the sight of God of great price,” her influence has been deep and profound and will continue on throughout time and eternity and in the generations to come. A further glimpse of her impact can be seen by friending us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ernest.witmer.

Memorials and sympathy cards may be sent to: Ernest Witmer and Family, 3640 Primavera Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065.