Rachelle Marie M. Rodriguez, age 56, passed away on September 27, 2026, in Fort Wayne, IN. She was born in Lansing, MI, to the late Reynaldo and Pura Rodriguez.

Rachelle worked as a preschool teacher and had a special love for children, caring deeply for each one she taught.

Rachelle also had a deep love for animals, embraced life with enthusiasm, and treasured every opportunity to spend time with her family.

She is survived by her fiancé, Miles Steward; siblings, Rose Rodriguez, Reina (Patrick) Sullivan, Rey (Nancy Heyman) Rodriguez, Riza Campbell, Rhoda (Greg Parthemer) Hurtsellers; step-children, Jessica (Tyler) Collins, Kaycee (Mike) Schenk, and Brandon Steward; grandchildren, Akkadian, Annabelle, Jackson, Micah, Victoria, Emma, and Mason; and nieces and nephews, Nikki (Matt), Chase(Ross), Joey (Tanya ), Samantha (JD), James, and several grandnieces and nephews.

Service is 3:00 pm, Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St., with calling two hours prior beginning at 1:00 pm. Memorials may be made to Humane Fort Wayne. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com.