Rachel Lesley Taro

Rachel Lesley Taro, 18, of Meridian, Idaho

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, Rachel Lesley Taro, who departed from this world far too soon at the age of 18, on October 28, 2023. Rachel was born on April 6, 2005, in Evanston, Wyoming. She answered the prayers of Brandon and Valerie Taro and was adopted at birth into our loving family, bringing immeasurable joy and meaning to our lives. Her story, one of adoption, was a testament to the incredible power of love, acceptance, and the enduring bonds of family.

Born in Evanston, Rachel began her journey in Amalga, Utah, growing up under the watchful eyes of the Smithfield Fire Department’s brotherhood of firefighters. Rachel grew up in Laramie, Wyoming, attending the University of Wyoming Lab School, Slade Elementary School, Linford Elementary School, Laramie Middle School, Laramie High School, and Rock River High School. A move to Meridian, Idaho carried Rachel to graduation through Virtual School House.

A daddy’s girl at heart, Rachel loved the outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping. You’d often find her attending to her animals and planning to add more. A remarkable young soul, Rachel was always smiling and happy, Rachel was the light of our lives. She was always so full of energy and life. Rachel was a Junior Cowgirl Cheerleader at the University of Wyoming, played softball, volleyball, basketball, and was on the cross-country ski team. Rachel loved to sing and learned to play the flute in band. Rachel loved to bake and was often her dad’s right hand in the kitchen. Her love of animals was her true passion in life. When she was younger, Rachel saved many stray kittens and baby birds, nursing them back to life, even if it meant hiding them from her parents. She bred, raised, and showed cattle, sheep, rabbits and horses in 4-H and FFA. She earned several grand champion honors. Rachel was fearless and tenacious, and it was evident in all of her endeavors throughout her short life.

After graduating high school in 2023, Rachel decided to pursue college and a career in Veterinary Science. She enrolled in the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls to continue her lifelong passion with animals. During her time in Twin Falls, Rachel found her way into the “family business”, getting hired at Idaho Fish and Game, at Niagara Springs Fish Hatchery in nearby Wendell, Idaho. Rachel was a hard worker, typically the first to arrive and the last to leave, taking on the hardest jobs. Her coworkers and friends always knew they could count on her.

Rachel strived to make the most of every opportunity that came her way. She was always eager to learn and grow, which was apparent in the breadth of activities she participated in. Rachel volunteered annually at Laramie Jubilee Days Rodeo, fell in love with the community and found her way to give back by becoming a Laramie Jubilee Days Princess in 2019 and 2020.

Rachel was an amazing daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend, although her favorite and most treasured role was that of girlfriend to Calden. He stole her heart and she his. They were both lucky to have found each other and share treasured memories together. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

While we grieve the loss of Rachel today, we also celebrate the remarkable life she lived and the love she shared with all of us. Her memory will forever be cherished in our hearts and the legacy of her love and resilience will live on in the lives she touched.

Her spirit will forever shine brightly in our hearts, reminding us of the power of love and family. Rachel is survived by her parents Brandon and Valerie Taro and her younger sister Cassidy, grandparents Clyde & Charlotte Bybee (Evanston), Cathy Carson & Leonard Meisinger (Casper), boyfriend Calden Johnson (Sandy), many aunts, uncles and cousins. Rachel is preceded in death by her loving aunt and Godmother Megan Bybee Cummings (Evanston). Rest in peace, our sweet girl, you will be forever in our hearts.

Rachel’s funeral will be held on Thursday, November 9th at 1:00 PM at Crandall Funeral Home in Evanston, WY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a memorial fund, in honor of Rachel’s memory, at Trona Valley Federal Credit Union.

Forever loved and never forgotten