Dates
Rachel Santiago Fritz, a cherished mother, grandmother, and devoted partner, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep on February 27, 2025. Born on July 20, 1954, in Big Spring, Texas, to Juan G. Santiago and Mary Martinez, Rachel was the third of seven children, growing up with the responsibility of being the oldest girl, which instilled in her a caring and nurturing spirit. After graduating from Big Spring High School in 1971, she briefly attended Howard Junior College to pursue her dream of becoming an educator. It was during this time that she met and married Airman Robert 'Bob' Joel Cook Jr. They married on December 19, 1973, and their journey together saw them living in various locations, including the Clarke Air Force Base in The Philippines. Rachel filled these years with adventures, welcoming two daughters into the world: Jacqueline Cook and Kathleen Cook-Polson.
In 1991, following her marriage to Bob, Rachel and her daughters moved to San Angelo, Texas. There, she enrolled at Angelo State University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. In 1993, she married Gary W. Fritz. Rachel’s dedication to her profession was evident in her 27 years of service as a kindergarten teacher at James Bowie Elementary. Her classroom was not just a place for learning but a nurturing environment where countless children flourished under her guidance. Known as "the teacher with the white streak," Rachel left an indelible mark on her students, often attending significant milestones in their lives long after they graduated. Rachel was a vital part of Immanuel Baptist Church, where she had been an active member since 1991. She participated in the BASIC Sunday school class and was involved in the Concho County Emmaus Community.
Her joyful and bubbly personality made her a beloved figure, and she had a remarkable gift for connecting with people. Rachel’s laughter was infectious, and she had an uncanny ability to make a lasting impression, never forgetting a student’s name or the stories they shared. In addition to her thriving career, Rachel faced significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and a congenital heart defect in 1979, which initially gave her a limited life expectancy. However, with courage and determination, she underwent open-heart surgery at the young age of 25 and defied the odds, living a fulfilling life that centered around her family and passions. Her strength and resilience were an inspiration to all who knew her.
Rachel became 'Wella' when her oldest grandson, Gavin Reinhardt, was born in 2000, followed by her grandsons Gabriel Cook and Stellar Cook-Polson. In 2022, she embraced the role of great-grandmother with the arrival of Ambrose Cook. Her world revolved around her family, and she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rachel spent the last two years picking up her great-nephews from school as often as she could.
In December 2023, Rachel found love again with Ron Neuhaus, and they shared 14 beautiful months together filled with joy and companionship.
She is survived by her partner, Ron Neuhaus; daughters Jacqueline Cook of Dallas, TX, and Kathleen Cook-Polson, who resides in Crawford, CO, with her husband Joe Polson; and grandsons Gavin Reinhardt and Gabriel Cook.
She is preceded in death by her parents, infant brother, her children’s father Robert J. Cook Jr. and previous husband Gary Fritz; niece Shelli Santiago and nephew, Phillip Aguilar. She was greeted in Heaven by numerous aunts and uncles who loved her dearly.
Rachel’s love extended to her numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and a large extended family spread across the world.
A celebration of Rachel's life will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, with burial following at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Midland at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Harper Funeral Home. Friends and loved ones are invited to view and sign Rachel's memorial guest book at www.harper-funeralhome.com
Rachel's generous spirit, radiant smile, and loving presence will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire and uplift those who remember her. One of Rachel’s wishes was that bright colors be worn in memory of her.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, 90 E. 14th Street, San Angelo, Texas 76903.