Rachel Smith Torbett, age 79, of Independence, passed away Sunday, July 16, 2023 in Lawrence Kansas.
Graveside committal services and interment will be held on Wednesday August 2nd at 10:00am at Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to FORPAZ (Friends of Riverside Park and Zoo).
Rachel Torbett was born June 16, 1944, in Independence, KS to Eldon and Olive (Stites) Smith. She grew up in Independence, attending local schools and graduating from Independence Senior High. She attended Pittsburg State University, graduating with her bachelor and master’s degrees and was actively involved with her sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma. On August 20, 1966, she was united in marriage to David Torbett at the First United Methodist Church in Independence.
Rachel taught English, Speech, and Drama over her 35-year career. She began teaching in 1966 at Independence Junior High and then taught at Independence High School until her retirement in 2001. She was extensively involved in the Neewollah festival. She loved traveling, food, and crafting. She was a life-long resident of her hometown, Independence, until recently moving to Lawrence, KS to be closer to her granddaughter and daughter.
She is survived by her daughter, Amanda Torbett; granddaughter, Arleigh; and daughter-in-law, Amanda Peterson, of Lawrence; her sister-in-law Katherine Torbett, of Kansas City; and nephew, E.J. Torbett, of Pittsburg.
Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.