Rachel Irene Troyer

Goshen, IN — Rachel Irene (Lambright) Troyer, 90, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025.
Rachel is survived by her son Jeffrey (Sherri) Troyer of Westfield, IN, and daughter Jolene (William) Bilinski of South Bend, IN; four grandchildren Jenna (Jared) Mrozinske, South Bend, Shane Bilinski, Atlanta, GA, Michael Troyer, Chicago, IL, and Ellen Troyer, Boston, MA; and two great-grandchildren, Jett and Jack Mrozinske.

Along with her parents, Rachel was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Lee Edward Troyer; her grandson, Nathan William Bilinski; her four sisters, Lois (LaVerne) Hooley, Ruth (Paul) Miller, Doris (Ivan) Birky, and Evelyn (Donald) Hostetler, all of LaGrange County; and her sister-in-law, Margaret Borns of Kansas.
Rachel was born March 23, 1935, in LaGrange County, to Evan and Clara (Speicher) Lambright. She was baptized into the Mennonite faith and was a long-time active member of North Goshen Mennonite Church in Goshen, IN. She attended Scott Elementary School and Scott High School in Shipshewana, IN. She continued her education at Goshen College, where she met her husband, Lee. Rachel worked as a secretary and bookkeeper in their homebuilding business.

Rachel and Lee loved traveling. They visited all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Some of her favorite places were Alaska, Germany, New Zealand, and Switzerland. But none of them could compare to their Florida home in Siesta Key, where they spent every winter for over 40 years.

Rachel was very talented, but also very humble. In fact, if you complimented her, you would get a blushing grin, an “Oh, you,” and a wave of her hand in response.
She was a master chef (according to her family and friends), planning and cooking every holiday meal from scratch — never a store-bought gravy in the Troyer house. Rachel loved entertaining. She would throw special birthday parties for friends and church members when they turned 90. She also had an eye for design — her tablescapes for holidays and parties resembled those you’d find in Better Homes & Gardens. She wanted every guest who came to her house to feel special.

She was also quite the seamstress, designing and creating her daughter’s wedding dress, costumes for her grandchildren, and blankets, to name a few. She was also a brilliant quilter, with over 40 quilts produced, and some would take over a year to make. Rachel would donate her quilts to fundraisers. One of her more sought-after designs was her quilt with the state bird from each state — it was absolutely stunning.

Rachel was also very active in her community. She helped establish The Window, was a board member, and volunteered for many years, delivering for the Meals on Wheels program. She was also an active member of the Elkhart County Builders Association Women’s Auxiliary.
Rachel started a Red Hat Society Club of North Goshen and greatly enjoyed meeting with the women in her group and hosting gatherings at her house — sporting the big, red hats and signature purple, of course.

A memorial service will take place at Yoder Culp Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 18. Visitation will begin at 9:30 followed by the memorial service at 11. Lunch will be served at North Goshen Mennonite Church.

Memorials in Rachel’s name can be made to The Window, Goshen IN., or North Goshen Mennonite Church.