Rachelle Shivon "Shelly" Cobell

Rachelle Shivon Cobell, 41, of Utica, NY passed away on Monday, July 31, 2023 at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, NY after a courageous fight against her illness that spanned several months.

Rachelle was born on January 3, 1982 in Kalispell, MT to Barbara Henderson and Joel Cobell. She spent her childhood in Montana and was a 2000 graduate of Hellgate High School in Missoula, MT. After high school Rachelle studied for and earned her Cosmetology license. She then went on to study at the University of Montana in Missoula, MT and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Women’s Studies. Upon moving to New York, she went on to earn a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree from the University at Albany in Albany, NY.

Upon completing her education Rachelle spent several years working as a social worker at Domestic Violence shelters throughout the Utica-Rome area before returning to her true love, working as a hairstylist. She worked at several salons in the Utica area before co-founding her own salon, Volume Hair Studio in Whitesboro, NY. Most recently, Rachelle worked out of Shear Envy Salon in New Hartford, NY until she became too sick to continue in February 2023. Rachelle truly loved her work and the friends she made in the process.

Shelly, as she was called by those close to her, had an extremely vibrant personality that endeared her to many people. She was quick-witted, found humor in just about everything, and was always up for an adventure. She loved trying new foods and collected vintage recipe books. She also loved movies, dancing, going to concerts, traveling, true crime documentaries, and advocating for the causes that she believed in. Rachelle was also very proud of her Native American heritage.

Rachelle is survived by her beloved son, Gabriel Cobell-Diate, and her longtime partner, Nathaniel Rice, both of Utica, NY; mother, Barbara Henderson of Polson, MT; and stepfather David Forrest (Karen) of Utica, NY. She is also survived by her father, Joel Cobell; paternal grandmother, Judy Cobell; aunts, Bonnie Hofland (Russ), Betty Matthews (Tim), Janet Carlson, Sharon Cobell, Marcy Cobell, and Teresa Lee; her second family Katherine, Paul, and Shawn Rice; and numerous cousins and friends from all over the United States.

Rachelle was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, William G and Shirley “Keeka” Henderson, paternal grandfather, Eugene Cobell, brother, John Forrest, uncles, Robert “Bobby” Henderson, Raymond Cobell and Kevin Cobell; and her favorite cat Rosie.

Rachelle’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Bassett Medical Center for the excellent care that they provided for Rachelle. In addition, her family would like to thank her aunt Bonnie Hofland and her cousin Jennifer St. Goddard for going above and beyond for Rachelle during her illness. Funeral arrangements are under the direction and care of the locally owned and operated Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, Little Falls, 315-508-5131. Her family will be hosting a Celebration of Life gathering at the Sherrill Brook Park – Cedar Pavilion, 4191 New York State Rt. 12, New Hartford, NY 13413 on Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 12PM-5PM and all friends and relatives are invited to attend.

Her family had also set up a GoFundMe to offset the costs of her medical care and final expenses as Rachelle was self-employed and did not have a life insurance policy. Any additional funds raised will go to benefit her 15-year-old son, Gabriel. The GoFundMe page can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/rachelle-s-cobell?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer