Obituary for Rachel Sarah Gaddis
Rachel Sarah “Blackout Betty” Gaddis, 38, of Spring Mills, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023.
Rachel was born on December 16, 1984, in State College, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Page L. and Anne L. (Hoy) Gaddis, who both survive at their home in Spring Mills.
Rachel graduated from Penns Valley High School in 2003 where she was a Valedictorian of her class. During high school, Rachel was a member of the varsity soccer team and a member of the 2002 PA State Championship softball team. Rachel was a member of the concert and jazz bands playing the saxophone. Rachel was a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient and a camp counselor for Hemlock Girl Scout Council. Following high school, Rachel furthered her education, graduating in 2008 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture. While attending Rensselaer, she took advantage of the opportunity to study abroad, in Rome, Italy for a semester. Not one to sit idle for long, she could also be found on the rugby field, where she forged many lifelong friendships. Upon graduation from Rensselaer, Rachel landed her dream job with HOK Sports as an architect assistant in Brisbane, Australia and worked on the Rugby World Cup Stadium.
Rachel was employed at Penn State University in the Procurement Office.
Rachel was an artist, chicken lover and tubing enthusiast. Her hobbies spanned far and wide and included many different facets of her life.
One of Rachel’s passions was being a founding member and president of the State College Area Roller Derby. SCARD was where she was affectionately given her nickname, Blackout Betty. She gladly gave much of her time to SCARD as a coach, teammate, mentor, and avid supporter of all things derby. Anyone who was blessed to be a part of Rachel’s life, or have her as a part of theirs, will remember her love of life. She truly made a point to live each day to the fullest and wanted the same for others. She leaves behind countless memories and stories that will live on and be shared for years to come.
In addition to her parents, Page and Anne, she is survived by her sister, Audrey Gaddis of Los Angeles, twin brother Preston Gaddis of Spring Mills, and faithful canine companion, Maverick. Also surviving are numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Ross and Mae Hoy, and paternal grandparents, Taylor and Grace Gaddis.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 1:00 PM, at Faith United Methodist Church, 512 Hughes Street, Bellefonte, with Pastor Theresa Heiser officiating. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rachel’s memory to the State College Area Roller Derby, P.O. Box 1051, State College, PA 16804.
Rachel was born on December 16, 1984, in State College, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Page L. and Anne L. (Hoy) Gaddis, who both survive at their home in Spring Mills.
Rachel graduated from Penns Valley High School in 2003 where she was a Valedictorian of her class. During high school, Rachel was a member of the varsity soccer team and a member of the 2002 PA State Championship softball team. Rachel was a member of the concert and jazz bands playing the saxophone. Rachel was a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient and a camp counselor for Hemlock Girl Scout Council. Following high school, Rachel furthered her education, graduating in 2008 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture. While attending Rensselaer, she took advantage of the opportunity to study abroad, in Rome, Italy for a semester. Not one to sit idle for long, she could also be found on the rugby field, where she forged many lifelong friendships. Upon graduation from Rensselaer, Rachel landed her dream job with HOK Sports as an architect assistant in Brisbane, Australia and worked on the Rugby World Cup Stadium.
Rachel was employed at Penn State University in the Procurement Office.
Rachel was an artist, chicken lover and tubing enthusiast. Her hobbies spanned far and wide and included many different facets of her life.
One of Rachel’s passions was being a founding member and president of the State College Area Roller Derby. SCARD was where she was affectionately given her nickname, Blackout Betty. She gladly gave much of her time to SCARD as a coach, teammate, mentor, and avid supporter of all things derby. Anyone who was blessed to be a part of Rachel’s life, or have her as a part of theirs, will remember her love of life. She truly made a point to live each day to the fullest and wanted the same for others. She leaves behind countless memories and stories that will live on and be shared for years to come.
In addition to her parents, Page and Anne, she is survived by her sister, Audrey Gaddis of Los Angeles, twin brother Preston Gaddis of Spring Mills, and faithful canine companion, Maverick. Also surviving are numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Ross and Mae Hoy, and paternal grandparents, Taylor and Grace Gaddis.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 1:00 PM, at Faith United Methodist Church, 512 Hughes Street, Bellefonte, with Pastor Theresa Heiser officiating. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rachel’s memory to the State College Area Roller Derby, P.O. Box 1051, State College, PA 16804.