RACHEL MARIE DAYHOFF

Rachel Marie Dayhoff, 85, of Smithsburg, MD, peacefully joined her beloved husband on the day of their 67th wedding anniversary, November 2, 2023.  She is in her eternal home, in the arms of the man she loved, surrounded by family and friends, and in the presence of her Lord and Savior.  One can only imagine the joy in her heart when she received her angelic wings, the use of her legs again, and a pain-free heavenly body.

Born June 15, 1938, in Hagerstown, MD, Rachel was preceded in death by her parents Harry Rinehart and Rachel (Blickenstaff) Rinehart, as well as her husband Richard (Dick) Dayhoff, son Michael Dayhoff, granddaughter Tiffany Dayhoff, brothers Harry Rinehart Jr., Charles Rinehart Sr., John Rinehart (infant), Samuel Ausherman, John Ausherman, and sisters Dorothy Hammer, Margaret Smith, and Linnie Shoemaker.  She is survived by sisters Sally Lynn, Rose Pepple, and Mary Ridenour.

Rachel is also survived by her children Susan Fisher and husband Bill, Barbara Grove and husband Andy, and daughter-in-law Carrie Dayhoff, all of Smithburg, MD.  She is blessed and survived by seven grandchildren: Shanna Byrd and husband Pete, Brandon Fisher and wife Abby, Megan Dayhoff and husband Derek, Paige Dayhoff, Adam Simons and fiancé Erinn, Dylan Grove, and Isaac Grove and girlfriend Trinity Baker.  Bringing her much happiness, she is additionally survived by ten great-grandchildren: Max, Lucie, Piper, Lily, Nash, Eliana, Harper, Whitney, Dax, and Archie.  Lastly, she is survived by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors, whom she loved dearly.

Rachel graduated from Smithsburg High School and was baptized into the Lutheran Church.  She spent most of her adult life as a homemaker and took great pride in keeping her home absolutely spotless, fixing meals for her family, and caring for her children and eventually her grandchildren.  In her earlier years, Rachel spent long hours tending to the flowers in her yard.  She and her husband, Dick, loved to attend music events at all the local carnivals.  She really loved her country music, old and new, and never hesitated to crank up the volume while listening to Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Charlie Pride, Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson and many other artists.  To pass the time, when she no longer could get around easily, she crocheted, worked on word find puzzles, and colored many beautiful pictures.  Always, throughout her life, she cherished her family; birthday celebrations were not complete until you got the call from mom/nanny with her singing “Happy Birthday” and/or the card with her lipstick kisses!        

The last seven months of Rachel’s life were spent at Coffman Nursing Home where she was well cared for by all of the staff.  She loved playing Bingo, especially when she won, liked to do crafts, and enjoyed sitting on the porch on sunny days.  She attended her first “tea party” and got her first tattoo (fake) there.  But most important, she made wonderful friends, some rehab patients, who often came back to visit her after being discharged, and some who were permanent residents.  It became her home when she could no longer be safe and healthy in her own home.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 11:00am at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Smithsburg, MD, with Pastor Virgil Cain officiating.  Online condolences may be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Rachel Marie Dayhoff to Coffman Nursing Home, 1304 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742 ATTN: Activities/Bingo or Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Coffman Nursing Home, Meritus Medical Center,  Doey’s House, and Aunt Mary (her baby sister) for the care provided to our Mother.