Gone Too Soon: Remembering the Beautiful Life of Hazel Marie Rakes

The Campbellsville, Kentucky community is mourning the heartbreaking and unexpected loss of Hazel Marie Rakes, who passed away far too soon on October 5, 2025, at just 26 years old. Hazel was a devoted mother, a beloved daughter, and a gentle soul whose life, though brief, was rich with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Her sudden departure has left a gaping hole in the hearts of those who loved her most — especially her father, Robert Lee Rakes, and the young children she cherished so deeply.

Hazel’s life was rooted in family. She found immense joy in raising her children and shared a special bond with her father through their shared love of hunting and fishing. These simple moments — quiet mornings outdoors, laughter around the campfire, tender moments with her kids — are now bittersweet memories treasured by all who were blessed to share them.

A Loving Soul with a Heart for Family and Nature

Hazel was a woman of gentle strength and quiet wisdom. Though soft-spoken, she possessed a fierce devotion to the people she loved. Her children were the light of her life — everything she did, she did for them. Whether she was rocking them to sleep, planning a family outing, or simply holding them close, Hazel poured her entire heart into motherhood.

She also shared an incredibly close bond with her father, Robert. They were not just parent and child, but best friends. The outdoors brought them even closer — weekends spent hunting, fishing, and sharing stories are now sacred memories that will live on in Robert’s heart forever. Hazel was a country girl through and through, finding peace in nature and beauty in the quiet things others often missed.

Those who knew Hazel describe her as thoughtful, sincere, and always ready to lend a hand or a kind word. Her warmth, paired with her deep sense of loyalty, made her someone you could always count on. She had an ability to make others feel safe, seen, and loved — qualities that make her absence all the more difficult to bear.