Rachel Godollei-Johnson

Rachel Godollei-Johnson, 72, passed away January 1, 2025, from complications of pancreatic cancer. Rachel was born July 31, 1952 in South Bend, Indiana to Paul and Lois (Tenbieg) Godollei, who preceded her in death. After graduating from St. Joseph High School, she attended Butler University. Rachel graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, theatre concentration, in 1974, and started her job at Indianapolis Civic Theatre. She held various positions there, from Junior Civic instructor to technical director. She also loved her time with the Indiana Repertory Theatre as the technical director for the "Musical Mirage Express" touring children's production. Rachel met the owners of Landes Costume Company and enjoyed a fulfilling career there. She designed and constructed numerous costumes and mascots, including McGruff the Crime Dog, Sammy Terry's cape, the Butler Bulldog, and the Noble Roman's Pizza Monster. She excelled at make-up design and helped to grow Landes into the largest costume shop in central Indiana. She designed and selected costumes for school and local theatres while also serving as co-editor of the National Costumers Association Magazine.

In addition to working at Landes, Rachel was the set designer and technical director at Young Actors Theatre, where she met her future husband, Steve, in 1984. Rachel left Landes in 1987 and taught several classes at Butler, including stage scenery, costume history, and introduction to acting. Through the years, Rachel worked side-by-side with Steve and they married on August 1, 1992. In 1994, they bought Landes Costume Company. Rachel honored the Landes family by keeping their name and adding "by Rachel" to distinguish herself as the new owner. Rachel and Steve ran the costume shop together until his death in 2004. Rachel closed the shop in 2013, retiring to pursue her many interests, which included gardening, painting, embroidery, and crocheting. Rachel also loved all things Egyptian and traveled to Egypt many times. She co-authored two books on ancient Egypt and had begun working on a third. In 2023, Rachel was honored with the Unsung Hero Award for her work as historian and parliamentarian on the National Costumers Association board of directors.

Rachel is survived by her siblings, Eileen (Michael Ponce) Godollei-Ponce, Julia McLane, Ruthann (Craig Upright) Godollei, David (Annie) Godollei; stepchildren Jill (Jeff) Zapf, Steven (Rick Blacklidge) Johnson; grandchildren Courtney (Matthew) Cobbs, Nathan Zapf, Ryan Zapf; great-grandchild Henry Cobbs; nephews Aaron (Kate) McLane, Kevin (Meg) McLane; nieces Abbie Godollei, Emily (Perry) Jacob, and great-niece Samantha McLane.

Service is on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Harry W. Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Rd. Burial to follow at Sutherland Park Cemetery, 4140 Millersville Rd.