Rachel Nicole Counts Brooks

Rachel Nicole Counts Brooks was born November 18, 2001, in Rolla, Missouri. She was the daughter of William and Rebecca (Kirksey) Counts. Rachel passed away October 5, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the age of twenty-three years.
Rachel grew up in Salem, Missouri. She truly enjoyed being involved and was always at the center of something. When she was younger, she played several youth league sports. She was a 4-H member which started while she was attending Green Forest Elementary School and continued through high school. During that time, she won several ribbons at the state fair for her cake decorating and sewing skills.
Rachel loved shooting sports and was a talented marksman with the rifle. She was a skilled artist, liked to draw, and do paper mosaic projects. Rachel has won several high school awards for her artwork. She was also a member of the Salem Marching Blue Color Guard. Rachel proudly graduated in 2020 from Salem High School.
Rachel portrayed excellent work ethic and always held a job, with her first job being at Wal-Mart. She was one of the first young people hired as a door greeter and shoppers enjoyed seeing her. Rachel has also worked at Kroger and at McDonalds.
On September 29, 2025, Rachel was united in marriage to Jarod Brooks. They were looking forward to making a lifetime of memories together. She was one of a kind and made friends easily. She was cool and quirky, loved being around others and making them laugh. Her family and friends were very important to her. Rachel has loved her fur babies and has adopted five cats and three dogs over the years.
Rachel is survived by her husband: Jarod Brooks of Danville, IN; parents: Bill and Becky Counts of Salem, MO; sister: Mandy Carlson of Springfield, MO; brother: Will Counts and girlfriend Jacki of Springfield, MO; nephews: Memphis and Maleck; grandparents: Ann Dement of Salem, MO and Larry and Jo Ann Counts of Hardy, AR; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.
Preceding her in death were her grandparents: Ronald and Barbara Kirksey.
Rachel was a beautiful young lady with a bright and joyful light that touched the lives of everyone around her. She greeted others with genuine kindness and her sweet smile that lit up the room. Her vibrant spirit will continue to shine in all who were blessed to know and love her.
Funeral Services for Rachel Nicole Counts Brooks were held Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Terry Davis officiating. Song selections played were "Old Rugged Cross", "Arms of Jesus", and "Reason to Praise". Serving as Pallbearers were Bill Counts, Shawn Degon, Danny Rictor, Paul Mansell, Blaine Counts, and Will Counts. Burial was in the New Harmony Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.
Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Rachel Counts Brooks to the Riverways Pregnancy and Family Resource Center and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available.
Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com