Rachael Monast Kemp, 85, of Oskaloosa, died Saturday, August 18, 2018, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. She was born on a snowy October 10, 1932, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the daughter of Joe H. and Helena McGarry Monast. She attended Ottumwa Heights Academy in Ottumwa, Iowa, graduating from there in 1952. After high school she attended Loretto Heights College in Denver, Colorado. After college she returned to Oskaloosa to be close to her family. She worked for a number of years for Auto Owners Insurance Company in the Claims Department. On April 26, 1958, she was united in marriage to Harry H. Kemp, in Muscatine, Iowa. Harry died on May 9, 2017. Together they raised one son Jay, who now lives in Florida. Rachael worked in retail for various companies including, Alsups, Snyder's, and last Gardner Collier Jewelry in Oskaloosa. Rachael and Harry enjoyed traveling and spent several winters in Florida. The two of them also enjoyed gardening together. Rachael was an avid reader and knitter. She was a member of P.E...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

Chapter I.O. in Oskaloosa. She enjoyed attending First Christian Church in Oskaloosa. She had a very kind and loving spirit and had a soft spot in her heart for all animals.

Her family includes her son, Jay Kemp of Clermont, Florida and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Harry, Rachael was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Joe Monast, Jr. and her sister, Molly Doshak.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at 12:30 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Molly Goodrich officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will open Wednesday after 9 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 10:30 a.m. until service time at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to MHP Hospice Serenity House or Stephen's Memorial Animal Shelter.