Rachel Louise Penson-Zettler

Rachel Louise Penson-Zettler, age 58, of Du Quoin, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 16, 2026 after a tragic accident at her home. 

She was born Sunday, January 21, 1968 in Du Quoin, Illinois, a daughter of James "Jim" and Lydia Louise (Jones) Penson. She married Roger Zettler at the Hurst Community Center on October 07, 2023. He survives.

Rachel, a vibrant spirit with a heart full of love, left too soon. She was a unique blend of sass and sweetness, always keeping those around her on their toes.  Rachel was a force of nature who lived life on her own clock-usually about fifteen minutes behind everyone else's. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, sharp wit, and a personality that could light up any room.

A woman of simple joys and deep devotions, Rachel was famously fueled by two things: a good cup of coffee and an unwavering love for her family. Whether it was a morning run to Scooters or Penny Perks, she cherished her caffeine. She even looked forward to the coffee her husband brought her every day-though, in true Rachel fashion, she never missed an opportunity to complain about exactly how he made it or how slow he brought it.

Her quick wit and "awesome personality" were best displayed during intense games of Scattergories or while she expertly navigated a crossword puzzle. She had a beautiful, poetic soul and spent years capturing the world through her writing. When she wasn't writing, she was likely rolling her eyes or shaking her head at someone's antics-her two most famous (and beloved) trademarks. Rachel's heart was happiest when it was full. She adored her family, her dogs, and her cats, and she was widely considered the "best sister ever." She loved the rhythm of life-listening to music, dancing, and settling in for her favorite soap operas or a high-stakes police and fire drama.

Her culinary tastes were classic and spirited. She never met a plate of Mexican food she didn't like-especially from Don Tequillas-and she maintained a lifelong, family-sanctioned devotion to Southern sweet tea.

Rachel was sweet, kind, and incredibly loving, but she was also a straight-shooter. She took great joy in "picking on" her husband and possessed a formidable "bad side" that no one wanted to cross. She lived with a constant "fear of missing out," always wanting to be in the center of the action. If she ever felt overlooked, her signature phrase was never far behind: "Am I chopped liver?" To Rachel, no one was ever "chopped liver." She made everyone feel seen, challenged, and loved. She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and everyone who knew that the best things in life are always worth waiting for-even if she made you wait a little longer than planned.


She is survived by her husband, Roger Zettler of Zeigler; father and step-mother- Jim and Viola Penson of Du Quoin; son- Troy Brown of Du Quoin; daughter- Alexis (Elijah) Colbert of Du Quoin; step-daughter- Catherine Zettler of Hawaii; three grandchildren- Elsei Ambrocio, Bennie Ambrocio, and Legend Delmore; three step-grandchildren- Haleyann Zettler, Emily Zettler, Hannah Zettler; brother- Jimmy Penson in Du Quoin; sister- Dorcas Penson of Du Quoin; step-siblings- Jeanette Shepard and Sherry Pyle; aunt- Marsha McKinnies of Du Quoin; uncle- Carl J. Jones of Du Quoin; aunt- Debbie Hariss of Du Quoin; aunt- Janice Siefert of Du Quoin; aunt- June Caraway of Murphysboro; aunt- Lisa Dewar of Du Quoin; aunt- Wilma Lemons of Arkansas; uncle- Eddie Sharp of Arkansas; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of extended family members and friends who adored her.

She is preceded in death by her mother, step-sister- Melissa Clinton, and seven aunts and uncles.

A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home, located at 11 S. Hickory Street in Du Quoin.

Funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home with Rev. Dan McKinnies officiating.

Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin.

The family requests memorial donations be made to Rachel's funeral care fund at Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home, to help the family with Rachel's unexpected final expenses. To make an online donation, click the donation tab on Rachel's obituary page. All payments will go directly to the funeral home to help the family in their time of such loss.

Envelopes will also be available and accepted at Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home; 11 S. Hickory Street; Du Quoin, IL 62832.

Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home in Du Quoin is honored to have been called to serve the family. For more information, or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.maxtonrosado.com or call 618-542-2020 for more information.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rachel Louise Penson-Zettler, please visit our floral store.