Rachel Tyree Hardesty

Rachel Tyree Hardesty, 85, of Bardstown, Kentucky, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 20th, 2025. Rachel was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandma, and great-grandma, whose absence will be deeply felt by all.

Born on December 9th, 1939, in Tompkinsville, Kentucky. She went on to attend Bowling Green Business College, where she completed a degree in Business Administration.  It was there she made many memories she loved to share. Rachel moved to Louisville, KY, shortly after and built a life with her husband. There they raised 5 children. She worked for Jefferson County Riverport Authority for 35 years, and made many life-long friends there. She was driven and found a lot of joy in her work. 

Rachel could often be found making a new sewing pattern at her sewing table, or reading through her Nicholas Sparks collection. She was known as Nana to her 4 grandchildren who will continue fighting over her infamous Mickey Mouse spoon. She loved drinking black coffee all day long, telling many stories of her life and visiting with her family. Her absence will be felt deeply by those who she shared a life with and even those she briefly met along the way. 

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, Addys & Delsie Tyree, her husband, Robert Hardesty, one sister, Clarnell (Ralph) Emberton, one brother, Arnold Tyree (Evelyn), and one son, George Hardesty. 

She is survived by her sister, Selma Bentley (Kenny), three daughters, Sharon Perlini, Beth Cecil (Michael Todd), Laura Hardesty King (Andy) , one son, Bryan “Jake” Hardesty, four grandchildren, Trisha Benefield (Michael), Jeremy Hardesty (Jennifer), Sydney Howell(Jacob), Molly Haydon(JB), Andrew Pohlman, Joseph Pohlman, and 8 great-grand children. 

Her funeral service will be 11 am Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Barlow Funeral Home with burial in Louisville Memorial Gardens West. Bro. Ray Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be 3 pm to 8 pm Tuesday, June 24 and 9 am to 11 am June 25 at Barlow Funeral Home.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers  donations be made to Hospice of Nelson County.

The family would also like to thank all the staff at Cooper Trails for the care, love, and support for Rachel.

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