Rachael Marie Hendrick Koester, a beautiful person inside and out, passed away in her sleep on Oct. 29, 2026. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Richard Koester; sons, Payton King (Cheryl) of Charlotte, N.C., and Brennan King of Little Rock; three grandchildren, Hunter King of Charlotte, Dylan King of Charlotte, and Breanna King of Little Rock; and one brother, Vincent Webb (Minda) of Houston, Texas.
Rachael was predeceased by her parents, Randolph and Madell (Dell) Webb, as well as a brother, Jimmy, who passed away when Rachael was about eight. She was born in Nashville, Ark., and attended school at Saratoga. Following Saratoga, she went to Henderson State and graduated with a degree in art. She later got her master’s in education from U of A.
After teaching for several years, she jumped into insurance, starting with American Fidelity. She liked it and was good at it, so she applied for a State Farm agency and had 22 great years with them, making friends from all walks of life as well as a bond with her State Farm buddies that still lives on. She loved her policy holders and went above and beyond to help them when they deserved it.
She loved to work in her yard, decorate, cook and throw a party. She was a star at them all. Her Super Bowl gumbo will be missed. Her decorating was of a professional level, and her garden was a showplace. She also loved animals and they loved her. She definitely will be reuniting with her past fur babies. When she retired, she built a studio onto the house where she created some beautiful paintings, many of which are hung in her house. When she needed a break, look around the slot machines in any casino. She loved them.
A highlight in her later years was a Japanese pen pal from her youth tracked her down from information in her mother’s obituary, sent a letter to the funeral home and they reconnected. Masahiko Shimizu and Rachael kept in touch until she couldn’t work on the computer. Thank you, Mr. Shimizu. You made her very happy.
She was spunky and her position was clearly known. She said her dad called her a hornet growing up and she earned every bit of it. However, she had a heart of gold, a work ethic unmatched and a determination like no other. She went out just like she lived her life, on her terms. Rachael, you will be missed by many. You were a great mother and supporter for your sons, a great wife and confidant to your husband, and a great friend to many. Rest in peace my friend. We love you.
At Rachael’s request, there will be no service. Arrangements under the direction of Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock.
