Rachael (Hiebert) Dunham

Rachael "Rae", beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, in Lenexa, Kansas, at the age of 45. Born on April 9, 1981, in Wichita, Kansas, Rae was known for her witty personality, and love for her family and students. Whether through laughter, conversation, or a perfectly timed joke, Rae brought warmth and authenticity to those around her.

Rae dedicated her career to supporting children as a Para III Autism Instructional Assistant for Olathe Public Schools. She left her mark on countless students and their families. The same patience, compassion, and encouragement she brought to her students were evident every day in the love she showed her daughters.

Rae was a devoted mother whose greatest joy in life was her daughters, Raegan and Taylor. She often took walks around the neighborhood with the girls and treasured spending time outdoors with them. Rae taught Raegan how to ride her bike without training wheels and shared her styling and decorating talents with both Raegan and Taylor. Together, they loved decorating the house as the seasons changed. Rae attended many of the girls' activities, including band concerts, choir performances, Lego League competitions, cross-country meets, track events, and plays, always cheering the loudest and celebrating every accomplishment with pride. They loved shopping at Target and getting smoothies together at Smoothie King. Nothing made Rae smile more than Raegan's infectious laughter or Taylor's cuddly hugs. Her greatest pride was watching her daughters grow into the amazing young women they are today.

Rae was a devoted fan of the television show “Friends” and would quote it by heart. Rae decorated her home with the Grinch at Christmas, and always brought the green bean casserole to family dinners. She loved music: Led Zeppelin, Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Stevie Nicks, and of course rap. She would stay up late to watch the very end of the Chiefs football games.

Rae leaves behind the two people she loved most, her daughters, Raegan and Taylor and their father Mike Dunham, her devoted parents Mike and Terri Hiebert, and her cherished sister Kinsey Walters (Jeffrey). She leaves behind her niece and nephews, Maren, Holt, and Flint Walters, as well as numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and dear friends and in-laws who will miss her greatly. Her love, guidance, and unwavering belief in Raegan and Taylor will remain with them always. Though her time was far too short, the love Rae gave to her family, friends, students, and all who knew her will remain long after her passing.

A service to honor Rae's life will be on June 25th at 1:00 PM at Amos Family Funeral Home, located at 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203. Her family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and the beautiful memories she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rachael's memory to the National MS Society. Contributions can be made online at National MS Society Donation Page.