Rachel A Marks

Rachel A. Marks, age 85, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Miller’s Health and Rehabilitation, leaving behind a life rich in devotion to family, education, and the quiet joys of everyday living.

Born on February 18, 1941, in Washington, D.C., Rachel was the beloved daughter of the late James Russell Creel and Ruth Markley Creel. Her early years were shaped by cherished summers spent on her family’s farm in Virginia, where she developed a lifelong love of animals and a deep appreciation for the beauty and simplicity of rural life—memories she carried fondly throughout her years.

Rachel graduated from high school in Washington, D.C. in 1958 and continued her education at Indiana University Bloomington, where she majored in history and education and she also received her Masters of Education degree from Valparaiso University. It was there she nurtured the passion that would define much of her life—a calling to teach and inspire others.

In 1962, Rachel married her first husband, William Carbon, and together they began building their life in LaPorte in the early 1960s. From this union came her two sons, Robert and Michael, who remained the center of her world. Rachel devoted her professional life to education, working for the LaPorte Community School System. She began her teaching career at Kingsford Heights Elementary School and later taught English at Boston Middle School. Rachel found great fulfillment in the classroom, where she guided and encouraged generations of students, helping to shape young minds with patience, intelligence, and care.

In 1989, Rachel married Harry Marks, beginning a new chapter filled with companionship and shared dreams. In 1994, the couple retired to Florida, where they enjoyed many peaceful years together until Harry’s passing in 2008. Rachel remained in Florida until 2017, when she returned to LaPorte, reconnecting with the community that had long been her home.

Rachel found comfort and happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending time with her beloved cats and unwinding with classic television favorites such as The Waltons, The Andy Williams Show, and Downton Abbey. She also enjoyed dining at her favorite local spot, Round the Clock, where she could relax and enjoy a familiar meal.

Rachel will be deeply missed by her loving family, including her sons, Robert Carbon of LaPorte and Michael Carbon of Fort Worth, Texas; her step-daughters, Sue Ren, Judy Parks, Sherry Rice, and Terri Faulkenburg and her brother, Vance Peter Thiede (Joan). She was preceded in death by her step-daughter Sandy McWhirter, as well as her brother, James Thiede.

Rachel will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her dedication to education, and the warmth she extended to those around her. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she inspired and in the love she shared with her family and friends.

A memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Avenue, LaPorte.

In the quiet moments of reflection, Rachel’s life stands as a testament to kindness, learning, and a deep appreciation for the simple, meaningful things that make life truly full.