Rachelle Elaine Hinkley
May 15, 1975 ~ April 18, 2024
Born in:
Warren, Minnesota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
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Rachelle Elaine Hinkley, 48, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024, after a brief but courageous battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones, who will hold her in their hearts forever.
Rachelle Elaine Larson was born May 15, 1975, in Warren, MN , to Ronald and Rowann (Smart) Larson and grew up in rural East Grand Forks, MN. She met the love of her life, Tom Hinkley, at a teen dance in Grand Forks, the summer before she graduated from Fisher High School. On August 31, 1996, Rachelle and Tom were married at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND, before moving to Fargo, where they raised their two children, Travis and Andrea.
Rachelle put her nursing degrees from Northwest Technical College and University of Mary to work at Sanford (formerly MeritCare), where she served in many different roles: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse, Lead RN, Clinical Supervisor, and finally, Director of Clinic Operations at Sanford Children’s Clinic. The compassion she had for both her patients and coworkers made her a phenomenal nurse. In 2015, she transitioned to working from home as an Account Manager for Commercial Quality Operations and Oversight for United Healthcare.
Rachelle was a beautiful person with the biggest heart; she cared deeply for her family and friends and was always the first person to reach out, just to check in, offer a kind word or reassurance, or simply to chat. Her smile and upbeat, positive personality could light up the whole room. She loved meeting friends and family for coffee or lunch, relaxing on the patio in the backyard, spending time at the lake, and being the world’s best shopping partner. She was her children’s biggest cheerleader in every aspect of school, sports, work, and life. She loved being an Acro Mom and treasured the lasting friendships that were made during Andrea’s time on the FM Acro Team. She adored her role as Glamma to her grandpuppies, Ranger and Sage. Even when faced with life’s challenges, Rachelle made sure to celebrate each moment of every day.
Rachelle will be forever missed by her husband Tom, children Travis (Morgan) and Andrea all of Fargo, ND; father Ron Larson of East Grand Forks, MN; sisters Rhea (Tyler) Grove, Audubon, MN, and Ranita LaHaise, Scottsdale, AZ; mother-in-law Janice Hinkley of Halstad, MN; sisters-in-law Debbie (Dave) Lucas of Norfolk, VA, Sandy Hinkley of Hertel, WI, and Carol (Derrick) Leas of Rocklake, ND; brother-in-law John (Pauleen) Hinkley of Halstad, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Rachelle is reunited in Heaven with her mother Rowann Larson, father-in-law Roger Hinkley, and grandparents Hilbert and Lena Larson and William and Ruth Smart.
A Memorial Service celebrating Rachelle’s life will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Hope Lutheran Church South Campus in Fargo, ND. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Roger Maris Cancer Center, FM Acro Team, or a local pet charity of your choice.
Video Tribute:
Services
Celebration of Life - Friday: April 26, 2024 3:00 pm
Hope Lutheran Church Fargo, South Campus
3636 25th St S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-6629
https://www.fargohope.org/
Visitation - Friday: April 26, 2024 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Hope Lutheran Church Fargo, South Campus
3636 25th St S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-6629
https://www.fargohope.org/
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Rachelle Elaine Hinkley 's name.
FM Acro Team
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
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Rachelle was a co-worker of mine at Cherished Moments during my college years in Grand Forks and became a good friend. She was funny, cheerful, and thoroughly in love with Tom. I remember their wedding like it was yesterday. It breaks my heart that this world only had her for such a short time.
I also worked with Rachelle at Cherished Moments while I was in college. She was a wonderful person and always so friendly and cheerful. I remember her picking out her own wedding dress . We still exchanged Christmas cards every year and occasionally chatted on Facebook messenger. She will truly be missed.
My sincerest sympathy to the family. I am so saddened to hear of Rachelle’s sudden passing. I worked with her at the Children’s Hospital and Peds clinic. She was always full of joy and compassion, had a gentle disposition, and was always willing to help. Like many others have already mentioned on here, her family was everything to her and she talked about each of you so adoringly. I pray for peace, comfort and strength in the days and months ahead for each of you.
Chelle, meeting you at the DQ in high school. Cheering against each other in sports. Nursing school together. Your beautiful wedding. Learning to call you Rachelle at the children’s clinic. So many wonderful memories of you over the years. You will always hold a special place in my heart Rachelle. Beautiful lady, amazing mom and wife. You will be forever missed.
Sorry for your loss, Hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Thinking of you and sending many prayers. There are not enough words to say how sorry I am at the loss of your mother, best friend, wife and many more words who your mom was to everyone she knew and touched. She was a wonderful person and she will continue to be as she now has a new title “guardian angel “ for you.
Sending a big big hug. ❤️
Mary
I am so sorry for your loss! I remember visiting Shelly and her sisters many times at their childhood home near Fisher with Auntie Jill.
Thoughts are with all of you!
Kim Jenkins
Rachelle was one of the most positive people I have ever known, I am heartbroken to hear of her passing. I consider myself lucky to have met/worked with her through UHC- sweet, kind, genuine and always had a funny story to tell (the friend you always wanted in your corner). Love and Prayers to Tom, Travis and Andrea- her love for you was evident in every single conversation we had, her favorite title was mom and wife.
We are so sorry! I (Stephanie) probably know Andea the best because of ACRO. She was one special Mom to help raise such a beautiful daughter. Tom, you can be so proud of a beautiful family. May Rochelles’s memories be with you always knowing she is guiding and loving you all the way.
I worked with Rachelle when I was on the Resource Team many years ago. She was new to MeritCare and we all looked out for each other then. Cherish the memories, I remember her as a great nurse.
We are so very sorry for your loss. So very sad to hear. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today and in the days to come. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you.
Rachelle will be so missed for her contagious positivity and her willingness to help anyone with a smile. My prayers are out to you and your family because I know what she meant to each one of you all. Over the years she shared countless stories about each of you all and how much she loved you. Our work family will never be the same without her. Please let us know if there is anything we can do during this challenging time. Her time here on this earth enriched so many lives and people. I know she is home and will be looking down on us. We love you Rachelle!!
Rachelle and I had sons that grew up and were in sports together. She was always there to greet you with a smile. She was a good friend and a great mom who loved her kids and husband with all her heart. My prayers go out to her family and friends. I know she will be missed.
A beautiful, positive, and kind human being. You will be missed Rachelle!