OBITUARY: Rachel Perkins Foster

Rachel Perkins Foster went to be with the Lord August 26, 2026, at the age of 42. She was born in Ely, Nevada, October 1, 1983. She arrived prematurely and spent the first two weeks of her life fighting to survive in the neonatal ward. In many ways, that set her course from the beginning. Rachel was a fighter; whatever she set her mind to, she worked to make happen.

Rachel grew up on a farm in Lund, Nevada, where her lifelong love of animals and the outdoors took root. As a child, she answered to several nicknames including Sassou and Blondie, but underneath them all was unmistakably Rachel: strong-willed, independent and never one to back down from a challenge.
From a young age, Rachel was fascinated by psychology and had a deep desire to help others. After graduating from White Pine High School in Ely, she began pursuing the education that would eventually allow her to make that calling her life’s work.
Along the way came one of the greatest joys of her life, the birth of her daughter, Abigail Rose Perkins. Rachel continued her education while raising Abbi, determined to build a life for them both.

In 2012, Rachel and Abbi’s lives changed when they met Michael Foster. Michael became Rachel’s love, her partner in life and eventually her husband. Their family grew with the birth of Nicki Renae Foster, and the family they created together, along with Michael’s son, Teagan, brought Rachel immeasurable happiness.

While raising two daughters, Rachel never let go of her dream of becoming a mental health counselor. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from Capella University, balancing the demands of school, work and motherhood along the way. After completing the required clinical hours and passing the licensing exam, Rachel achieved the goal she had worked toward for so many years, proudly becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
Counseling was more than a career to Rachel. She never stopped learning and found great meaning in helping others heal and find their way through difficult times. At her core, Rachel wanted to be of service and make life a little better for someone else.
But the center of Rachel’s world was always her family.

She treasured camping trips and outdoor adventures with Michael, the girls and her extended family. She loved music and could turn an ordinary moment into something joyful simply by turning up a song. She would grab her mom, Trudie, and say, “Dance with me.”
Rachel adored her dogs Bear, Zeus and Nala, and her cat, Magic. She loved the beauty of Bellevue and often marveled at how fortunate she was to call such a beautiful place home and to be part of its wonderful community.

She shared a deep bond with her mom, Trudie; her stepdad, Jim; her dad, Joe; and her brother, Louis. Her sister Moriah was her best friend and partner in crime, standing beside her through life’s joys and challenges. Rachel was also a loving aunt who treasured her nieces and nephews.
If you didn’t know Rachel well, you might have thought she was reserved. Those who did knew a deeply caring, thoughtful and very funny woman. She had a wonderfully dry sense of humor, was quick-witted and could deliver a zinger like no one else. She noticed the little things, remembered what mattered to people and went out of her way to make others happy.
Above everything else, Rachel loved being a mother.

Abbi and Nicki were the greatest joys of her life, and she built her world around them. She loved doing crafts, baking, sharing adventures and creating the ordinary moments that become a childhood’s most precious memories. She wanted her girls to feel loved, supported and encouraged to become exactly who they were meant to be. Her love for them was boundless.
Rachel loved Michael deeply, and she was deeply loved in return. Together they created a home and family filled with memories that will surround Michael, Abbi, Nicki and Teagan in the years ahead.
Rachel’s time with the countless people who loved her was far too short.

She will be remembered for her determination, intelligence, wit, compassion and desire to help others. She will be remembered in camping trips and favorite songs, in laughter and family stories, and perhaps especially in those moments when the music is turned up and someone reaches out a hand and says, “Dance with me.”

She is survived by her loving husband, Michael Foster; her daughters: Abigail Perkins and Nicki Foster; her stepson, Teagan Foster; her mother, Trudie Hollinger; her stepfather, Jim Hollinger; her father, Joe Perkins; her sister, Moriah Deitrick; her brother, Louis Perkins; and her beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

A celebration of Rachel’s life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Bellevue Memorial Park.