Rachael Elaine Severtsgaard

Rachael Elaine Severtsgaard, born July 16, 1985, in Rock Island, Illinois, passed away on September 14, 2026, leaving this world far too soon. Although her time with us was not nearly long enough, the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Rachael made her home in Salisbury, North Carolina, where she shared the past 22 years with her fiancé and life partner, Tommy Strother. Their life together was built on love, companionship, and a deep bond that grew through more than two decades together. Rachael was deeply loved by Tommy, and she loved him just as deeply. The years they shared together will always be a treasured part of both of their lives.

Rachael was a devoted homemaker and, above all, someone who cared deeply for others. Her children were among the greatest loves of her life. She loved all of her children more than words could ever express and treasured the time she shared with them. Her family was a huge part of who she was, and the love she had for them was unconditional.

Rachael's beauty had no end. It could be seen in her smile, felt in her gentle spirit, and most of all, found in the love she carried in her heart. Her eyes sparkled like stars, reflecting the warmth and kindness that made her so special. Her compassion, tenderness, and willingness to care for others were a beautiful reflection of the person she was. She gave love freely—to her family, to the people around her, and especially to the many animals she cared for. Her beauty was more than something that could be seen; it was something that could be felt by everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Rachael had an extraordinary love for animals. She didn't simply love animals—she cared for them, protected them, and opened her heart and home to many who needed someone to care. Helping animals was a meaningful part of her life and a reflection of the kind of person she was: compassionate, nurturing, and willing to give her time and love to those who needed it.

She is survived by her fiancé and life partner, Tommy Strother; her son, Alden Brumbaugh, and his wife, Hope Brumbaugh; her stepson, Jayden Strother, and Abbie Thompson; and her stepdaughter, Taylor Mayhew, and her husband, Chris Mayhew. She is also survived by her mother, Melissa Hufford-Tanner, and her husband, Todd Tanner; her brother, Bobby Severtsgaard, and his wife, Casey Jo Severtsgaard; and her in-laws, Tom and Pam Strother.

Rachael meant so much to so many people. She had a way of becoming an important part of the lives of those around her, and the emptiness left by her passing will be felt forever by her family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She gave love freely and had a heart that cared deeply, leaving behind memories that will be cherished forever. 

Her passing came far too soon. There were still memories to make, days to share, animals to care for, and so much more life to live. It is impossible to put into words how deeply she will be missed. For Tommy, the loss of Rachael is the loss of the woman he loved and the person who had shared 22 years of his life. Their love and the life they built together will remain a part of him forever. For her children, the loss of Rachael is the loss of their mother and the love, comfort, and presence that only a mother can give. She loved each of her children with all of her heart, and they will carry that love with them for the rest of their lives. There will be moments when they wish they could hear her voice, see her smile, or simply have one more day with her. Though she is no longer here beside them, the love she gave them will never leave them. She will always be a part of who they are, and her place in their hearts will remain forever.

Rachael was preceded in death by her father, Robert Severtsgaard.

She may have left this world far too soon, but she did not leave without making a difference. She left behind people who loved her, children who will carry her love with them, a life partner who will forever cherish the years they shared, family who will never forget her, and countless animals whose lives were made better because she cared.

Rachael was loved deeply. She will be missed beyond words. And she will never, ever be forgotten.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Severtsgaard family.