With a heart full of peace and readiness, Rachael G. Escobedo earned the ultimate reward of her eternal rest on September 26, 2026. She was surrounded by her children and close family members at her home in Schertz, Texas. She was born on May 28, 1951, in San Antonio, Texas, and is preceded in death by her parents Ralph Gonzales (2005) and Ernestine Wuertenburg (2009).

Born and raised in San Antonio, Rachael is a graduate of Harlandale High School class of 1969. She went on to join the United States Air Force to pursue a career in the medical field. It was during this time of her life she would create life long friendships and establish a base for what would become a lifetime career in the field of compassion. As is evident in the catalogue of her pictures during her time in the USAF, she loved her job and she loved working with her fellow soldiers. As a medical technician in the 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, she would treat the wounded and assist with loading airmen on large planes such as the C-130. She would continue her career of military service for 20 years. During her career she was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for meritorious service, her superb technical competence and outstanding duty performance. She was proud of her time serving in the USAF as an Airman- she most enjoyed travelling to other military installations as well as overseas. While she was serving, she also completed the course instruction to earn an Associate of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from St. Phillip’s College (1983) and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education from Texas State University (1986). With these degrees, she went on to work as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant at nursing homes in the San Antonio area. 

Some of Rachael’s favorite pastimes were gardening, travelling with her gal pals, folk dancing with the SAC dance group, and spending time with her grand-dogs and grandchildren. She is known for sending videos via text of her beautiful property or of the sunrise. She also loved looking up to the heavens admiring the constellations, the moon and the seasonal meteor showers. Rachael lived for the adventure and loved sharing those memories with the ones she loved. She collected postcards and often saved brochures of all the places she visited. 

Rachael is preceded in death by her loving spouse John S. Gallardo (2010). She is survived by her children: son Anthony Escobedo, spouse Christina, children Abbigail, Madelynn, Cappn; and daughter Diane Pactanac and spouse Joseph. She is also survived by her sister Rebecca Sauceda. She is preceded in death by her brother Ralph Gonzales Jr. (2015).

Service times are Friday October 16, 2026, Visitation at 5:00 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Schertz Funeral Home located at 2217 FM 3009, Schertz, TX, 78154.Celebration of Life church service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Randolph Church of Christ located at 1032 Pat Booker Road, Universal City, TX, 78148 with a breakfast to follow. Interment will occur on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 9:45 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78209. She will be buried with her late spouse, and they will each receive their own honors since they are both USAF veterans. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Hospice.