Rachel Kibler Pixley

PIXLEY, Rachel Kibler, 97, of Dinwiddie, formerly of Chase City, departed this life September 18, 2017. Daughter of the late Rev. John L. Kibler and Myrtle Nash Kibler, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Nancy K. Smith, and two brothers, John L. Kibler and Robert C. Kibler. Rachel’s life can be characterized by one word—love. She loved the Lord deeply and served him in every way she knew: studying His word, leading others in that study, and working diligently at every opportunity in His service until age rendered it too difficult. She loved her family beyond measure and did all she could to make their lives better. Rachel was particularly happy to have been able to truly enjoy her great-grandchildren, and in spite of her infirmities she was able to create a relationship that brought a delighted “Mimi!” from even the youngest when they saw her. She loved her students and served them with a dose of education, the challenge of high expectations an appropriate discipline, and lots of understanding and affection for each. A former teacher of mathematics in first Crewe and Warwick, Rachel retired in 1982 after 25 years at Bluestone Senior High School in Mecklenburg County. There she was known to be able to help all her students derive maximum success from the dreaded study of Algebra, and 9 to 3 never defined the hours or contained the efforts she made to provide the best foundation for her students’ education. Her labors were recognized by her election to Delta Kappa Gamma, a national teachers’ honorary society, and she was complemented by students who followed her example of teaching, several in the field of mathematics. Rachel is survived by her devoted husband, Elmer Clark Pixley, creating a partnership of love that celebrated 70 years of marriage this past June. Also surviving are her daughter, Lynda P. Ragsdale and husband, Scott; three grandsons, James S. Ragsdale (Jenny), John C. Ragsdale (Samantha), and Tyler H. Ragsdale (Sarah), and seven great-grandchildren: Audrey, Quinn, Darby, Mary Marshall, Bracey, Avery, and Evie, a special niece Jan Smith whom she loved as a daughter, and a host of other relatives and friends. Special love and thanks go to Dunlop House and Kindred Hospice for all their tender and devoted care during the last few weeks, not only for Rachel, but for Elmer and Lynda as well. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Lebanon United Methodist Church in Dinwiddie, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. in Crestview Memorial Park, South Hill, VA. The family is being served by the Dinwiddie Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lebanon United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 156, Dinwiddie, VA 23841 or UMFS at 3900 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com