Dales, Rachel L.

Rachel L. Dales, 31, of Anamosa, died Sunday, July 14, 2013, at Manning Hospital after a courageous and hard fought battle with breast cancer. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 18, at Zion American Lutheran Church in Wyoming, Iowa. Friends and family may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Lahey Funeral Home in Wyoming, Iowa. Burial will be at Mayflower cemetery in Oxford Junction, Iowa.

Rachel L. Dales was born Sept. 23, 1981, in Maquoketa, to Len and Sally (Persels) Clapp. She was united in marriage on Nov. 29, 2003, to Michael Dales at Zion American Lutheran Church in Wyoming, Iowa.

She graduated Midland High School in 2000 then she attended Hawkeye Community College to become a dental assistant. Upon becoming a mother she stayed home to take care of her children. She was a member of Zion American Lutheran Church in Wyoming, Iowa, where she was the president to the youth group. She enjoyed chorus, band, plays and musicals. Rachel loved spending time with her family. She loved to cook and decorate cakes. She was totally dedicated to her family and volunteered at their school and was a substitute teacher for their preschool in Story City, Iowa. She made every birthday and holiday a special celebration and loved decorating her home for each. Many memories were made on family vacations, Disney World and the Smoky Mountains were favorite destinations. Rachel was an inspiration to all who shared her life and will be remembered for her strength, spirit and deep love for her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Michael; three children, Emma, Logan and Addison of Anamosa; parents, Len and Sally Clapp of Wyoming; one sister, Allison (Josh) VonSprecken of Anamosa; nephew, Kaden of Anamosa; and maternal grandparents, Dwayne and Hazel Persels of Oxford Junction.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents.

Memorials may be directed to The Anna Purna Ghosh Foundation. The Foundation's primary mission is to provide financial assistance to cancer and blood disease patients in obtaining the prescription drugs needed for their treatment.

The Ghosh Center Blesie Tree, The Jesse Tree, is a biblical symbol of an “advent tree.” Isaiah 11:1: And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. This is the inspiration of our Blesie Tree - perpetual giving. The family of Eric Blesie was inspired to honor his memory by helping patients in need. By paying it forward with little things, we can show we are not alone and that through helping, giving and receiving we can reach a better place.

Online condolences may be left for the family at .

Published in The Gazette July 17, 2013.