Rachel Pallan Owens is a name deeply woven into the fabric of Pahrump Valley High School and the broader Pahrump community. A graduate of the class of 1980, Rachel’s journey from high school to a dedicated career professional and now an active retiree is a testament to perseverance, discipline, and the power of lifelong friendships.
Growing up in a small town like Pahrump meant strong community ties, and Rachel embraced every aspect of high school life. Some of her fondest memories revolve around sports. “There wasn’t much else to do,” she recalls. “We looked forward to going to school, playing sports, and traveling for games. The friendships we made were lifelong, and having the same group of friends from kindergarten to senior year was special.”
Rachel was a member of drill team, as well as playing basketball, volleyball, and track during her high school years. Though she initially hesitated to join the basketball team as a freshman, she found her stride and played for three years while volleyball quickly became her favorite sport. “We won state championships, and that was a wonderful experience,” she says, beaming with pride.
Even after graduation, Rachel has remained closely connected to PVHS. “Up until last year, I had a niece playing three sports, so I was always attending games. I also worked for the school district, so I knew many of the teachers and staff. And of course, both of my boys graduated from PVHS, which kept me involved. It’s hard to step away from your school when you’re still part of the community.”
Her high school friendships have stood the test of time, strengthened by social media, class reunions, and regular meetups. “There are six of us who are especially close. We took a wonderful trip to Hawaii to visit another classmate who lives there. Next week, I have dinner plans with three of them. We check in on each other from time to time, as we get older it’s important to stay connected.”
At 18 years old, she secured a summer internship at the Nevada Test Site, which marked the beginning of a 21-year career. “I started as a summer intern, but opportunities arose, and I moved up through various companies. I worked in different departments, including engineering, and surveying. I enjoyed the work, but when my kids were young, the long hours and daily 40-mile commute became a challenge. Leaving for work at 5:00 a.m. and returning home close to 7 p.m. meant missing a lot of their activities.
Determined to be closer to her family, Rachel spent five years applying for jobs in Pahrump. “It wasn’t easy unless you had connections. Finally, a friend who worked for the school district helped me get an interview, and I got the job as an assistant superintendent’s secretary in 2002. I later transitioned to the finance department and enjoyed my time there for the next 16 years. Before my retirement in 2020, I spent 2 years as a part-time employee for the Grant Department under the McKinney-Vento grant.
Retirement has been an adventure of its own. “We bought a motorhome and traveled extensively in 2020, taking advantage of the empty parks during the pandemic. We drove along the Oregon coast, all the way through Mississippi, Louisiana, and beyond. It was an adventure to say the least.”
Reflecting on the influences in her life, Rachel credits her high school English teacher, Mrs. Ashbaugh, with inspiring her personal development. “She had a way about her that made me want to live up to everything she talked about. I admired her deeply. In sports, my basketball coach instilled discipline and the importance of fundamentals that have stuck with me. He made us focus repeatedly on free throws, layups, and passing strategies. His discipline shaped who I am today.”
Rachel’s career was not without its challenges. “The biggest challenge was being so far from my kids. Fortunately, we always had great help. We had a nanny who was wonderful, she was like family to us. Her son, Rusty, became like my own. When his mother moved away during his senior year, we took him in so he could graduate here in Pahrump. We encouraged him to find his path, and he eventually joined the Coast Guard, met his wife, and built a successful life. We keep in touch to this day.”
Through her professional experiences, Rachel has learned the importance of a college education. “One of my biggest realizations while working with the government was the value of a college degree. My ex-husband and I both had good careers without one. We experienced firsthand the opportunities afforded those who had a college degree. We vowed to make sure our sons were given the opportunity to get a college education.”
Her son Nick initially pursued dentistry but fell in love with chemistry and graduated from Southern Utah University with both a chemistry and biology degree. He later received his master’s degree in Material Science Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. He moved from Washington DC to Denver and is now Managing the Energetics Engineering Department for his organization. Elliott took a winding path, earning his biology degree from Southern Utah University. Ultimately Elliott found his passion in becoming a golf professional. “He’s an incredible teacher, and I get so many compliments on his knowledge, patience, and skill. He enjoys giving golf lessons to the young and old. I love that he and his beautiful wife Cierra have made Pahrump their home.”
Rachel is also deeply involved in community service. “I joined Soroptimist International this year, and I love it. It’s my calling. I enjoy volunteering and helping others. I enjoy contributing where I can, as long as I’m not in charge of anything! I need the freedom to continue to travel at a moment’s notice. That includes traveling to see my grandbabies in California.”
Her personal life is full of joy. “My daughter, Hollie is 45, (grandkids Harper is 10, Logan is 7), Nick is 35, and Elliott is 31. I’m fortunate to be living my best life at 62. I love to travel, paint, cross-stitch, read, and especially golf, I golf three to four times a week if possible, and I walk daily. I go to the gym when I can, but I prefer to be outside. I love walking the paths at Mountain Falls—It’s beautiful.”
Rachel’s life is a testament to the power of dedication and the enduring bonds of friendship and family. From her high school days of championship sports to a fulfilling career and now an active and adventurous retirement, she continues to make an impact in her community. Whether she’s cheering on PVHS sports teams, volunteering with Soroptimist, or traveling the country, Rachel Owens embodies the spirit of a life well-lived.
