Rachel C. Gross

Rachel C. Gross, 53, of Washington, IL, passed away unexpectedly in the emergency room of OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria at 1:56 am on Sunday, December 4, 2022, due to a Pulmonary Embolism.

She was born on October 26, 1969, in Peoria, the daughter of David and Cadance "Cate" McKinney Gross.

Surviving are her parents of LaFayette, IL; two sons, Arron Gross and Makyah Gross, both of Washington; six grandchildren, Luna Gross, Tara Gross, Chloe Henderson, Ben Henderson, Toby Henderson, and Jake Gross. Also surviving are one sister Miriam (James) Mock, of LaFayette, IL, and one daughter in law Dianna Henderson-Gross, of Marquette Heights, IL. One son Benjamin D. Gross preceded her in death in 2020.

Rachel loved her life because she lived it on her terms and values. She discovered how to be happy with less than many of us required and was content with her items, which were many and varied.

Her love of drawing and painting started at a very young age. She was a six-year-old drawing a very life-like bluebird; many were surprised at how realistic it was, mainly for a child her age. There was no doubt this interest would follow her through her adulthood. Rachel loved reading. One of her favorite authors was Stephen King, and she read everything he wrote.

Rachel was concerned for older folks and was patient with them. She spent time cleaning their homes after her three boys were older and in school. She also enjoyed gardening, primarily bright-colored flowers, and had enough knowledge to work at various garden centers helping people choose plants that would work in their garden area.

A graduate of ICC, she received a degree in graphic arts. Several years ago, she fulfilled her interest in traveling to music concerts on weekends and enjoyed camping for the weekend, often going with her friends and sons.

A time to celebrate her life and share stories will be 11:00 am, Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. There will be no visitation. Cremation will follow her service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to her sons, Arron and Makyah. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

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