Rachel Ranee Petty

Rachel Ranee Petty, 55, of Bentonville, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2026.

She was born on June 13, 1970, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Wayne Yelk and Marilyn (Christians) Yelk.

Rachel was kind-hearted and found meaning in helping others during times of need. A two-time cancer survivor, she faced her challenges with strength and perseverance. Her faith was a very important part of her life.

She was a graduate of Madison Area Technical College and later graduated from Ambassador College in Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences and a minor in theology. She worked for many years as an office manager in the medical field.

Rachel loved being with and being an integral part of her children’s lives throughout their school years by being active in various youth organizations. Everything she did was for her children and she loved them more than anything else on the planet. She taught her children life skills and always pushed them to excel.

She is survived by her parents, Wayne and Marilyn Yelk of Springdale, Arkansas; her son, Colton Petty of Bentonville, Arkansas; her daughter, Emma Rae Petty of Fort Worth, Texas; her sister, Melissa Nickles and husband Brian of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; and her nieces, Hanna Nickles and Aubrey Nickles.

Rachel was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.