Rachel Odima

“The death of a beloved is an amputation.”

C.S. Lewis

As fast as she came into the world, she was gone. Rachel, our beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend and teammate was called home on Sunday, May 26 2019 at just 20 years of age. Her infectious laugh, radiant smile and genuine warmth will leave a lifelong empty void for all who knew her.

Born on October 28 1998 to Mary Machira and Joseph Odima, Rachel was the only daughter and middle child to older brother Roy and younger brother Rhys. She grew up in Northwest Arkansas, but moved to Utah at the end of her junior year of high school. There she attended Layton High School and played on the varsity women’s basketball team where she earned Region 2 second team honors her senior year as nominated by coaches around the conference.

Rachel had several offers to continue her basketball career after high school but ultimately chose Wenatchee Valley College in Wenatchee, WA as her home. Rachel fell in love with not only her teammates at WVC but also her coaches, fellow classmates, professors and administration. She loved the community of Wenatchee and they, in turn, loved her. As a member of the 2017-2019 WVC women’s basketball teams, Rachel’s defensive and rebounding prowess helped catapult the 2018-2019 team to their first Northwest Athletic Conference Championship in 37 years.

From Northwest Arkansas to Layton, UT to Wenatchee, WA – Rachel made an impact. She built strong, meaningful relationships with everyone around her with her genuine personality, listening ear and heartfelt gentleness. She lived life with a childlike curiosity to learn new things, try new experiences and meet new people. Her strong faith in Christ gave her a solid foundation in her purpose filled life.

Rachel loved and lived life. Her legacy will live on in her absence. She taught us kindness, friendship, forgiveness, patience and perseverance. She touched so many people in her short time on this earth. For all who knew her, we were lucky. For those who never knew her, you missed out. With heavy hearts, we say our final goodbye as we cherish all of the wonderful memories. Gone, but never forgotten we will miss you baby girl to the moon and back.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Washington Heights Church, 1770 E. 6200 S., South Ogden.  Friends may visit family Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 N. Fairfield Road.