Rachel Hall Obituary

Services for Rachel Ann Hall, 73, of Indianola, Iowa, who passed away Monday, January 26, 2026, will be held 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., prior to service at the funeral home, where family will be present to greet friends. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, February 5 at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel.

Rachel graduated from Iowa State University in 1988. She was a local business owner, owning and operating Indianola Glass Creations on the downtown square. She was known throughout central Iowa for her artistic abilities and knowledge of art glass. Her passion was teaching others the art of stained glass and fused glass. Her skills will be carried forward through those she taught. She will also be remembered for her chili served hot and steaming during Wine, Witches, and Brew, on the square every Halloween. She loved being a vendor at the Des Moines ChristKindle Market and the Iowa State Fair.

The most important part of Rachel's life was her family. She was the matriarch of a blended family of nine children, twenty-six grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. Rachel always looked forward to holidays. Thanksgiving was always made special with her superb culinary skills. Christmas Eve always included Chinese cuisine at a local establishment for up to forty friends and family. Rachel was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her. She helped others selflessly and often without realizing the impact she was making, offering kindness and support simply because it was who she was.

Rachel's faith was her life's foundation. For many years she was part of a traveling ministry that went all over the United States. In 2011, She was confirmed in the Episcopalian Church. For several years Sunday services were held in her store.

Rachel is survived by her loving husband, Donald; children, Tony (Shelley) Backstrom, George (Kim) Backstrom, Heidi (Tom) West, Heather (Rick) Crabbs, Dennis Dulay, Arianne (Tim) Barnard, Sonjai (Jim) Hall, and Andrew Hall; siblings, Joe McFadden and Ruth Battazza; 26 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Ramond McFadden; mother, Edith Gamin; sister, Mary Hardwick; brothers, Bill McFadden, James McFadden; and son, Andy Hall.

Memorials in Rachel's memory may be given to Tunnels to Towers Foundation.