Rachel Hamilton

Rachel Anne Hamilton; a beloved mother, a tenacious and faith-filled woman, a devoted steward of the Earth, and a gentle friend to all living things, unexpectedly stepped into eternity peacefully at home in Minneapolis on October 24th, 2025 at the all-to-brief but radiant age of 52 after spending the day in the rhythm of her simple joys — running errands, caring for the neighborhood’s animals as she spent time outdoors with her 3 cats, and speaking to friends and family. Rachel was born in Hastings, Minnesota to loving parents; Thomas Paul Hamilton and Roxane “Sandy” Hamilton on November 30th 1972. She attended Hastings Highschool, graduating in 1991 then later in life attended Minneapolis Community and Technical College earning her Addiction Counseling Diploma in 2016. Rachel was a very empathetic and compassionate woman with a loving and bright soul who enjoyed spending time in nature, caring for the earth and the animals that belong to it, planting flowers and gardens, living in the service of others, making the world a better, more beautiful place and spending her time with friends, family, and loved ones. She had a passion for all animals and the outdoors. Throughout her entire life she did everything in her power to ensure all of those who she cared for remained in high spirits and full of joy. Throughout her life Rachel had experienced a tremendous amount of adversity and pain but was able to persevere, and worked through the burdens of her past, finding a new way forward in life that brought her an immense appreciation. Family and friends were her foundation, finding daily joy in speaking to those she felt closest too, throughout her days. Towards the end of her life she had planned to move back to Hastings in order to be surrounded by those who brought her joy but unfortunately these aspirations came crashing down with the passing of her Father this April. Rachel is preceded in death by her loving father Thomas Hamilton and her caring mother Roxanne Hamilton. She is survived by her Significant Other, her brother Damian Rynes, Her niece Gabby Rynes, Her daughter and first born child; Elaine Hamilton, whom she cherished as a reflection of her own radiant spirit. In Elaine, Rachel saw the finest blossoming of her own heart — grace, kindness, understanding, and the quiet power of the divine feminine. Rachel’s sacred devotion towards her daughter knew no bounds and no conditions. She is also survived by her stoic and mindful son, Clayton Quarles, in whom she found her greatest pride, joy, and peace. In Clayton, Rachel saw the reflection of her life’s purpose — a living embodiment of the love, resilience, and compassion she nurtured in the world. His strength and spirit were her solace, and through him, her light continues to shine. The Family wishes to extend their gratitude to the City of Hastings, Minnesota and its citizens that we call friends, and lastly, to Hasting’s Family Service.

Funeral Services to be announced