Eva Mae Gaskamp Rachui

Eva Mae Gaskamp Rachui, beloved wife, mother and grandmother died at Hospice and Palliative CareCenter of Winston –Salem, August 6, 2013. Born November 11, 1923 in Marlin Texas, she was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Olga Gaskamp and brothers, Lee and Ernest Gaskamp. Eva had a productive and involved life. A true life “Rosie the Riveter” during WWII, she worked building bomber parts. After the war, she married her long time love and army pen pal and when he chose an army career, followed him with their children to assignments overseas and within the USA. Developing a love for NC while at Fort Bragg, they settled in Winston Salem after leaving the Army. Eva was active in the early introduction of hospice and provided support for the executive director of Hospice of North Carolina. She later worked for the American Red Cross. In Winston Salem, Eva discovered Reiki, an ancient healing method and became a Reiki Master and shared her gift generously. Eva’s love for the NC Mountains led them to Waynesville area where she helped establish a docent program in historic Dillsboro and with her husband had a Waynesville Main Street antiques and collectables business. They returned to the Winston Salem area to be closer to family when the mountain winters became more of a challenge. Eva is survived by her husband of 67 years, William (Bill) Rachui of King; son David and wife Mary of Mooresville; daughters Bobbye Rachui Priest and husband Al of Tobaccoville, Cathy Rachui of Midway and fiancé Greg Pepper; Grandchildren Christopher Fenimore and wife Alissa of Weaverville, Jennifer Wakefield and husband Chris of Tobaccoville; Great Grandchildren Elizabeth Paige Wakefield and Noah Wm. Olson Fenimore. Also surviving is a special niece, Diane Gaskamp McEachern of Waco, Texas. A celebration of life service is planned for August 7, 2013 at 6:30 PM at Oak Forest United Methodist Church 11461 Old Hwy 52, Winston Salem, NC 27107. Family wishes to thank the staff of Hospice for their care over the last 12 days. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Hospice and Palliative CareCenter of Winston Salem, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or to Oak Forest United Methodist Church in Midway, NC. Davidson Funeral Home, Hickory Tree Chapel is serving the family.