Rachael Lea Hillard

Rachael Lea ( Meskimen) Hillard passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on September 10, 2024, at the age of 44, after years of fighting diabetes and kidney failure.
Rachael was born on February 5, 1980, in Sullivan Indiana, since at the time, CMH did not allow fathers in the delivery room. She attended high school at RHS and was raised in Robinson, IL, with her brothers Russell and Carson and sister Abigail. Her love for learning continued after high school and she was constantly taking college classes to further her education. Rachael earned and used her CNA license and showed respect and compassion for the residents in her care. She also earned an Associates of Arts degree, plus many more college credits. For her, classes were fun and having a memory that didn't forget a thing, sure helped. Basically, she was a career student!
Rachael's best times were spent with her daughter Corie; fishing with family, cooking, going to casinos, attending horse races, cruising on motorcycles, attending sporting events, mushroom hunting, going
to amusement parks, listening to music, writing poetry, attending parades, watching fireworks, relaxing in Jacuzzis, playing quarter games with the family, and eating her mama's homemade chicken and noodles, taco dip, beef steak pie and lemon cake. She loved spending time with her family especially during the holidays and looked forward to our annual Christmas cookie decorating contest.
She was a spirited person with her brutal honesty, as her friends and family well know! But she also had a softer side that was loving and caring. Rachael, known to her siblings, nieces, and nephew as "Rachie Poo-Poo Bear" will be deeply missed in every aspect.
Rachael is survived by her daughter Corie Rachael (Gonzalez) Hayes, son-in-law C.J Hayes. and new grandson Carter, her parents Parker Meskimen and Therese (Miller) Meskimen, brother Russell and sister-in- law Ruth Ann Meskimen, brother Carson Meskimen and sister Abigail Meskimen, nieces and nephews Mason Mehler, Bryonna, Kendall and Parker Meskimen. Also, her Aunt Russaleen (Meskimen) Smiddy, cousins Heidi Pinkston and Logan Smiddy, Uncle and Aunt Jay and Barb Miller and cousins Justin and Molly Miller and numerous extended family members. Last but not least, her beloved dog Sam, who gave her daily companionship, love, and strength. Rachael was preceded in death by grandparents Russell and Kathryn (Eveland) Meskimen and Jess and Mary (Serino) Miller.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the Robinson Animal Shelter, Good Samaritan Hospice, Atten: For Staff Enhancement, 520 S.7th Street, Vincennes, IN 47591, or National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, 215 W. Illinois St., Suite 1C, Chicago, IL 60654.
It was Rachael's wish to be cremated, followed by a Celebration of Life. Please join her family at the Hollywood (where she worked years ago), on the square in Robinson, Il, on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 2-4pm.
Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson, IL is assisting the family with these arrangements.