Rachel Ruth Mascaro Kankelborg

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Rachel Ruth Mascaro Kankelborg

August 13, 1924 ~ October 13, 2019

Our sweet mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Rachel Ruth Mascaro Kankelborg, died on October 13, 2019 at Sunrise of Sandy from dementia. She was born in Bountiful on August 13, 1924 to Joseph and Mary Marasco Mascaro. She grew up milking goats on the family ranch in Rose Canyon. Those were some wonderful years of her life, which taught the value of hard work.

She attended Jordan High School, graduating in 1942. She married Charles Reese Kankelborg on August 11, 1943. Together they had four children: Joey, Baby Ricky, Kim and Nancy. Rachel retired from Utah Power and Light in 1987. She was a talented accordionist who was self-taught; she and Charlie spent their retirement years entertaining at many of the assisted living centers in the valley.

 In 2017, she moved to Sunrise Assisted Living, where she made many friends and has been cared for by “her kids,” whom she loved dearly. Rachel was a kind and generous person; she always made sure no one left her home hungry. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a longtime member of St. Therese Parish and in her last years, Blessed Sacrament Parish.

Rachel is survived by her children Kim, Nancy (Gerald) Barber; daughter-in-law Sherry Kankelborg; grandchildren Julie (Kevin) Mills, LeAnn (James) Mabey, Ryan (Jen) Kankelborg, special grandson whom she raised, Shawn (Elisha) Christensen, Elisha Christensen, Megan Adams, Natina (Nick) Edgar; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother Tony Mascaro; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Charlie; sons Joey and Ricky; siblings Rose Leonelli, Rose Barnes, Eva Panunzio, Sam DeLuca, Pete DeLuca, Frank DeLuca, John Mascaro, Jim Mascaro and Joe Mascaro.

A Mass of  Christian Burial was celebrated October 18 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Interment at Midvale City Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the loving caregivers at Sunrise of Sandy, Lauryn, Adonica, Jake and Michael at Bristol Hospice. Your tender care and compassion during Rachel’s journey has truly been a gift. You all are angels.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Utah Food Bank, Alzheimer’s Association or Huntsman Cancer Institute in Rachel’s memory.

Although we will miss Mom dearly, we know there is a joyous reunion taking place in heaven. We will hold you in our hearts until we meet again.