Rachael Slayton Moore Chavez (85), passed away November 25, 2011 in Flagstaff, Arizona at her home in the Emeritus assisted living community. Rachael, a Flagstaff native, attended Greenlaw elementary school, Emerson school, and Flagstaff High School. Following graduation from high school, she attended nurses training at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Upon completion of the program, Rachael embarked on an amazing four-decade nursing career to which she was passionately dedicated. In the mid-1950's, she attended Arizona State College (now NAU) and earned a dual-major bachelor's degree in biology and teaching.

In the early years of her career at Flagstaff Community Hospital, she attained the role of head nurse by 1958, but shortly thereafter transitioned to school nursing in the Flagstaff Unified School District. By the time Rachael retired in 1985, she had achieved the role of district supervisor and had received numerous local and state awards for her dedication.

Rachael was preceded in death by her parents, Vic and Ruth Slayton; brothers, Rob and Dan Slayton; husband, Margarito Chavez; son-in-law, Jim Benedict; and great-grandson, Garrett Benedict.

Survivors include two daughters, Victoria Benedict of Flagstaff and Joyce Alcantar of Tucson; six grandchildren, Vic, Jeff, Steven, Jinnette, Mark, and Gia; nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A loving celebration of Rachael's life will be held on Wednesday, November 30th at 2pm at Greenlaw Baptist Church, 3400 E. Lockett Rd., Flagstaff, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Greenlaw Baptist Church, or Verde Valley Sanctuary (domestic abuse sanctuary): P.O. Box 595, Sedona, AZ 86339.