SHELBY- Rhonda Rachels, 68, passed away Saturday April 16, 2016 at her residence. A native of Cleveland County, she was the daughter of the late William "Bill" and Kathleen "Kat" lemons Clark. She was the owner of Dairy Queen of Shelby for 44 years. She worked at Carolina Freight from 1967 to 1972 and Porter Bros. for two years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved to cook and was a selfless person to all who knew her. She was an animal lover especially her cats. The family would like to thank her second family at Dairy Queen for filling in the gap and running the business during this difficult time and they also would like to thank the staff at Cleveland County Hospice for the care and support that was given to them during her illness. A very special thanks to her care givers, Gaye Willis, Michelle Crantz, Renee Beason, Cristal Barlow.

PRECEDED: In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a grandson, Elijah Floyd.

SURVIVED: She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Milton Rachels of the home; one son, Jay Rachels and wife Raven of Blacksburg; two daughters, Lynne Floyd and husband Jason, and Kristen Pritchard and husband Fred all of Shelby; four grandchildren, Malia Rachels, Halle Jones, Ethan Floyd, and Eva Floyd; cousins, Martha Lavander and husband Johnny, Tanna Heath and husband Richard; sister in law, Allyson Plympton and fiancée Reuben Blanton; brother in law, Lem Rachels and wife Tina; niece and nephew, Karly Rachels and J.L. Rachels.

SERVICES: A funeral service will be held 2 pm Wednesday at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 pm before the service at the funeral home.

CLERGY: Rev. Gary Marburger

MEMORIALS: Memorials may be made to Cleveland county Hospice, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 or Children's Miracle Network, 1221 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204

FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby

ONLINE CONDOLENCES: www.claybarnette.com