Rachel Edmonds-Messerschmidt, 89, of Rockford, Illinois died at 11:10 p.m., Wednesday, April 17, 2007 at Provena St. Anne's Center, Rockford after a lengthy illness. She was born September 6, 1917 the daughter of Foster D. and Frida (Heinemann) Johnson. Rachel married Jean M. Edmonds in Belvidere on October 11, 1937 and then Dayton H. Messerschmidt on April 22, 1978 in Belvidere. She was an Assistant Vice President of Belvidere National Bank and employed by the bank for over 25 year. She loved to play cards and knit, and was a accomplished flutist. She graduated from Belvidere High School class of 1935 and attended business college in Elgin, IL. Rachel was a member of Willow Creek Presbyterian Church, Argyle. Survivors include her son, Douglas (Galina) Edmonds of Arlington Heights, IL, daughter, Lesley (Ralph) Stambaugh of Machesney Park, IL; step daughter, Barbara (Robert) McPherson of Redding, CA; step-son, Thomas (Edith) Messerschmidt of North Tustin, CA; brother Dr. Albert (Susan) Johnson of Portland, OR.; four grandchildren, four step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and four step great-grandchildren.Predeceased by parents, both husbands and a sister Helen Mattson.

Memorials to Rockford Special Olympics.