Rev. Dr. Rachel S. Stahle

The Rev. Dr. Rachel S. Stahle, PhD, born on September 21, 1969, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her mother L. Susan Kelly Simon, stepfather Patrick Simon, and her grandfather, George E. Kelly, age 92. Rachel was predeceased by her brother Matthew Stahle and her father Edward Stahle. She leaves her half-brother Joseph Stahle (wife Melissa) and her godsons Dean Stahle and David Snyder as well as many cousins and close friends. Rachel graduated from Dallastown Area Senior High School in 1987. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Grove City College, graduating in 1991. She continued her education receiving a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, graduating in 1994. She received her Ph.D. from Boston University, class of 1999. She pastored the First Presbyterian Church of Carteret, New Jersey from July 2009-July 2011. From there Rachel moved to Towanda to serve as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church from 2011 to 2021. Most recently she worked online for Sioux Falls Seminary/Kairos University as Affiliate Faculty. She was also a member of ECO Cornerstone Presbytery and served on the denomination’s Standing Theology Task Force. Rev. Dr. Stahle is the author of numerous articles and book reviews, as well as published author of The Great Work of Providence: Jonathan Edwards for Life Today. Rachel had a passion for worship, and she loved playing her guitar while leading the praise team at Towanda First Presbyterian. She served as the Treasurer for Towanda Area Clergy Association for many years and played guitar in the Towanda Pastor's Band. In recent years she learned to play the cello. She led and participated in many Bible studies. Rachel loved to learn about her own heritage and that of her friends. She was honored to learn that Michael and Lydia Shellenberger were her 4th great grandparents. She was an active Board Member of the French Azilum Historical Site. Rachel loved sports. Go Steelers!! Most recently she was excited to umpire for girls’ softball. She enjoyed tennis and had a close group of friends that she loved dearly and had many great times on the courts with them. Rachel facilitated youth group mission trips during her tenure at Towanda First Presbyterian. Those were fun times and happy memories that will stay with the youth for a long time. Rachel enthusiastically worked her flower garden and always gave glory to God when describing their beauty. She was a generous hostess, opening her home for clergy gatherings which included potlucks and rousing board games. Finally, Rachel had 6 beloved cats. Frodo who led half the neighborhood on a game of hide and seek a few years back and has most recently embraced home life! Bilbo, the most friendly and attentive cat! Grace, shy and always looking for a cool place to sit. Pixie who is a brave soul when new friends come to the house, and finally, Sam and Lucy - shy kitties that would only come out when it was just their momma at home. Rachel was a leader, a teacher, a student, an active member of our community, and a friend. She was humble, generous, loving, kind, funny and will be missed terribly by many. Donations in the Rev. Dr. Rachel S. Stahle’s memory may be given to:  Gordon-Conwell Scholarship Fund, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Dept. of Advancement, 130 Essex Street, South Hamilton MA 01982 or https://www.gordonconwell.edu/giving/online/  The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, P.O. Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352 or https://give2.chop.edu/give/241805/#!/donation/checkout  Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or go to Memorials and Dedications at https://www.stjude.org/give.html#other Interment will be in Mount Rose Cemetery, York. A memorial service will take place in Rachel’s hometown area of York at a future date. A memorial service celebrating Rachel’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 5 Court Street, Towanda. The service will be livestreamed via the church Facebook Page, Fans of Towanda Presbyterian. Memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting www.bowenfuneralhomes.com.

Rev. Dr. Rachel S. Stahle

September 21, 1969 - June 21, 2024

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Rev. Dr. Rachel S. Stahle

September 21, 1969 - June 21, 2024

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information