Alicia Rechtsteiner Escalante, Utah Alicia Jean Rechtsteiner passed away on the morning of November 14, 2018 at her family home in Escalante. She collapsed and died in the only place she felt safe, home. Alicia was 37 years old but had lived through 100 years of life experiences.
Alicia was born August 24, 1981 in Missoula, Montana. Her first three years were spent being shuffled through various foster homes. In September 1984 she walked into the home and hearts of Robert “Bob” and Sherree Rechtsteiner, wearing a pair of Osh Kosh bib overalls.
She was able to be legally adopted in December 1988 and was sealed to her parents in the St. George Temple. Alicia faced challenges, both physical and emotional throughout her life, starting even as an infant. Perhaps due to her challenges, Alicia had an exceptionally compassionate heart.
She saw into people’s souls. She was extremely attached to her pets through the years, and they to her. Her eyes twinkled and her face glowed when she cared for babies at church, and she tenderly cared for the elderly, especially her grandparents.
In 2007 Alicia became a mother. The marriage was another painful challenge for her that did not last long. However, she had Jeffrey and moved home with him to Escalante.
He was the bright star of her life. They were a team in caring for the dogs, going fishing, driving crazy, being mischievous and having fun. They understood and supported each other.
Alicia was a great conversationalist and an astute observer of human nature. She’d tilt her head to the side while listening to what you had said, then respond, oft times with lightning fast wit. Her dry sense of humor put a spin on situations that preserved her sanity in challenging times.
She was a survivor of many daunting stressors. Alicia was persistently passionate about fairness, truth and justice. She was brave and strong.
Of all her many qualities and successes, she will be remembered most for saving the lives of those who were in her care that December morning two years ago. She fearlessly acted with integrity and wisdom in the face of great danger and physical injury. She is survived by her parents; son Jeffrey, all of Escalante; aunts and uncle: Deann Coleman, Escalante; Frank and Joni Rechtsteiner, Parowan; five cousins, two dogs and four (that we know of) cats.
She will be missed by her family and many others whose lives she has touched. But even as we miss her, we know she is now free, where there is no pain, no fear. She has completed the mission she was sent to do and God took her home.
Memorial services will be held Monday, November 26, 2018 at 12:00 noon in the Escalante Stake Center where friends may call from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Escalante Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.
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