Rachel Root

Rachel Root, formerly of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at her daughter’s home in Olathe, KS.

She was born the daughter of Juan D. and Juana (Reyes) Gonzales on November 13, 1942, in Topeka, KS.

On February 7, 1975, Rachel married Roy Earl Root in Topeka, KS. Together, they co/owned and operated Root Automotive for over 25 years in Topeka. After almost 20 years of marriage, Roy Earl passed away on January 25, 1995.

Rachel enjoyed working on word puzzles, sewing, cooking, and looking for bargains at garage sales. Spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, brought her the greatest joy. She will be dearly missed but her memories will forever live in our hearts.

Survivors include her children, Cynthia Root, Deborah Hutchison, Mitchell Dean Root and his wife Liz, Deanna Ragsdale, Denise Hutchison, Tamara Kay Root, Lynette Rena Root, Juana Taylor and husband James Tayor III; 23 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; three sister-in-laws, Grace P. Gonzales, Cenaida B. Gonzalez, and JoAnn Mayfield.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roy Earl Root, granddaughter, Rachel Hedrick; three great-granddaughters, Natalie Hutchison, Harlow Holthaus and Marticela Adkins; son-in-law, Richard Ragsdale; six brothers, Alfonso Gonzales, Leo Gonzales, Salvador Ortiz, Vivano Gonzales, Gabriel Gonzales and Felix Gonzales; four sisters, Felisa Chavez, Beatrice Hernandez, Mary Gonzales, and Rosemary Espinoza.

Rachel will lie in state on Friday, October 22, 2021, from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M., followed by a parish rosary at 10:30 A.M., at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2700 SE Virginia Ave., Topeka, KS 66605. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., at the church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family wishes to invite everyone to the Tecumseh Park Shelter House, 4800 SE 2^nd St., Tecumseh, KS 66542 for a luncheon and fellowship from 2:30-6:30 P.M.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.