Celebrating and Remembering Rachel Herbst: A Legacy Film Tribute

It was a bright, sunny Memorial Day weekend in 2024 when we had the privilege of sitting down with Rachel Herbst. Fresh off celebrating her ninety seventh birthday with her family, she welcomed us into her world and shared pieces of a life beautifully lived. Her family hoped we could help preserve some of her most meaningful memories, and her Legacy Film quickly became one of our favorites. It holds even deeper significance now after her passing on November 20th, 2025.

Rachel as a child.

Rachel shared memories of her early years in a world that never stopped shifting. She spoke about sleeping on the classroom floor during kindergarten in the 1930s and of the moment she met Eleanor Roosevelt while visiting a friend. Each memory felt like a small window into a world that transformed many times over her ninety eight years. Her stories reminded us how much history can live within a single life.

Her life was equally rich in love and in service to the people around her. As a mother, she showed gentle patience by allowing her children to learn from their own mistakes and by encouraging them to grow into independent individuals. Outside of her family, she offered steady support to elderly men in their community and spent countless hours volunteering at their church. The kindness she carried into every corner of her life left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

She was married for sixty one years to her husband, Jim Herbst, and their life together stood as an example of commitment, partnership and devotion. They spent their time together building a family, taking vacations and eventually becoming grandparents. They faced the ordinary challenges of life with steady unity and always found joy in the simple moments they shared. 

Rachel and Jim Herbst pose on their wedding day!

Looking back, we feel so grateful to have had the chance to preserve these stories for Rachel and her family. Our hope is that her Legacy Film will be something her children, grandchildren and generations beyond them can hold close for many years. It is a small way for her voice and her spirit to continue guiding those who loved her. Thank you for reading this Legacy Film tribute and we hope you watch her video below!