It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the passing of our daughter, Rachel Grace McCarty. Rachel was called home by her Lord and Savior on Jan. 2, 2026 alongside her sister, Faith McCarty, cousin, Katelyn Heideman and uncle, David McCarty.
Rachel was born on Jan. 9, 2002 in Hermiston to Dan and Brandy Mitchell McCarty. She was raised on the family farm on Buttercreek and attended Echo schools from kindergarten through her graduation in 2020. From the very beginning, Rachel was a gift—always smiling, kind in spirit, gentle in nature, and a light to everyone who had the honor of knowing her.
Rachel was loyal and fiercely protective of those she loved and cared about. If you were lucky enough to be part of her close circle, you got to see her humor, intelligence, and drive at its finest—and also the depth of her care, the way she stood up for you, lifted you up, and made you feel truly seen and supported. She approached life with a determined heart, always striving to understand, do her best, and carry out every task she started to a meaningful finish.
Rachel was active in many sports throughout her life, including Little League softball, volleyball, basketball, cross country, and track and field. In high school, she earned a varsity letter in volleyball as a freshman, three varsity letters in cross country, and she lettered all four years in basketball as well as track and field. Her dedication, discipline, and athletic ability earned her numerous awards over the years. She was also active in 4-H and FFA, raising, showing, and selling pigs at the local fair, and she was always deeply appreciative of the support she received from her community.
As remembered by the Echo staff and teachers, Rachel was patient with herself and with others. She was mature, kind, and deeply responsible, always handling her commitments with grace. Younger students were naturally drawn to her gentle spirit and beautiful smile. Even amid the busy demands of FFA, sports, and academics, she remained composed, thoughtful, and attentive. Soft spoken and sensitive, Rachel carried herself with quiet strength and a caring heart, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.
A former coach described Rachel as “a fierce leader and exceptional teammate whose presence alone lifted those around her. She led with strength and discipline, yet her heart was full of kindness and encouragement. Rachel made others believe in themselves simply by being there, leaving an impact that went far beyond the game – a legacy few achieve.”
Rachel loved the outdoors and every adventure it offered—fishing, hunting, skydiving, skiing, boating, and ATVing. She once caught up to 75 bass and 12 steelhead in a single day at one of her favorite fishing spots. She harvested deer with both bow and rifle, hunted elk in Wyoming while encountering grizzly bears, and pursued geese and coyotes with a shotgun. Rachel did not waste the life she was given—she truly lived it.
On the family farm, Rachel was our “get in there and get it done” girl—the one we all relied on. She could run any piece of equipment, help organize the harvest crew, and keep everything moving smoothly no matter how long the day got. Whether she was raking hay, baling, spraying, or harvesting crops, everyone wanted Rachel on their crew because she made the work lighter, the team stronger, and even the toughest days better. She had a way of bringing people together, quietly leading by example, and making sure the job got done right. The farm—and our hearts—will feel her absence every single day.
Rachel loved her independence, her friends, and her animals—especially her dogs, Ivy and Remi and her cat, Muffin. She was loving, gentle, and kindhearted, caring deeply for her family and those around her. Her dry wit and subtle humor could brighten even the rainiest of days, and as one friend said, she was “an incredible person full of light.” Her faith was a steady presence throughout her life, inspiring a generous, giving spirit and a compassionate heart that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Rachel is survived by her parents, Dan and Brandy McCarty of Echo; her cherished sisters, Elizabeth McCarty Gallup and Hannah McCarty; her grandparents, Mike and Jane McCarty of Echo and Joanne Follett of Hermiston; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends, her dogs, Ivy and Remi, and her cat, Muffin.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Rick Mitchell and her uncle, Shaun Mitchell.
Though Rachel’s life on earth was far too short, she lived it fully. In her memory, we ask others to be adventurous, to enjoy the beautiful world God created, and to be a light in the lives of those around them—just as Rachel always was.
A joint celebration of life service for Rachel, Faith, Katelyn, and David will be held on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 at 1 p.m. at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, Wash.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rachel’s memory may be made for future charities at Columbia Bank in Hermiston.
Please share memories of Rachel with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
