An Amish bakery in Todd County, Kentucky, is mourning the death of its manager following a tragic crash in Hopkinsville.
According to Hopkinsville police, Rachel Hoover, 34, was riding her bike with three others on Pembroke Road when a drunk driver collided with them. Hoover and her friend, 31-year-old Marlene Martin, were killed in the incident.
Schlabach’s Bakery, a popular stop for homemade baked goods in Todd County, is mourning the loss of its manager.
“We’ve been here since 1970,” stated James Schlabach, the bakery’s owner.
Even on cloudy days, baking provides its own source of light, but one of those rays is no longer present.
“Happy and sad at the same time; it’s difficult to describe,” Schlabach said.
The mood in the kitchen has changed.
“She was the manager,” Schlabach explained.
According to those who worked with her, not having Hoover around is similar to trying to bake cookies without butter.
“This morning we were making oatmeal cookies,” Schlabach explained.
It does not come together in the same manner.
“Rachel added more flour, but we’re not sure how much. “We were trying to figure it out,” Schlabach explained.
She was riding her bike with three others home from a shopping trip in Hopkinsville when they were hit by a driver.
“The girl from Pennsylvania who was visiting was hit first, followed by Rachel.” Rachel’s sister, Lucy, who also works here, witnessed everything,” Schlabach stated.
Schlabach despises the fact that the crash killed not only his manager but also a friend who was visiting.
“The number of people who pay customers and show concern is incredible. We don’t feel deserving of it. It makes you feel humble,” Schlabach explained.
The bakery has organized a fundraiser to help the Hoover family with medical expenses.
“Whatever small funds we could raise. Rachel did so much for us, and this is just a small way to help her out,” Schlabach said.
James understands that the team will be grieving for a while.
“For the other girls, Rachel was more like a mom figure,” Schlabach said.
He’s holding on to memories, such as the time she accidentally made cookies that were too flat and became one of the bakery’s best-selling items.
“We found one of the ingredients. She used three cups instead of three pounds. I’m like, you know what, Rachel? “Let’s put filling between them and sell them,” Schlabach suggested.
James believes Rachel is now in a heavenly kitchen, where joy is constantly rising.
“She’s in heaven, happy and singing,” Schlabach said.
Police have arrested Isaiah Edwards, 30, and charged him with driving under the influence. His third offense.
Rachel’s funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.
Do you want to help the Hoover family through this difficult time? Tap here to contribute to their medical expense fundraiser.
