Rachael Alexander Stewart

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents and Dennis Stewart, father to Briton and Scot.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Ryan Nuttle; children, Briton, Scot, Judah, Zora, and Jimmy; sisters, Amy, Jennifer, and Karen; mother, Betsy Craft; father and stepmother, Don and Mary Alexander; and in-laws, Joan and Charlie Nuttle.

Rachael was born on November 24, 1982, in Loudoun County, Virginia, and moved to Hanover County when she was 3 years old. A proud Graduate of Atlee High School Class of 2000, Rachael formerly worked with Richmond City Habitat for Humanity before devoting herself to being a wonderful mother and homemaker. She was outgoing, loving, and inclusive, and made friends easily. Many of her friendships began in grade school at Rural Point Elementary School and continued until her death. Throughout her life, her group of friends was constantly growing. In middle school, high school, and as an adult, she made friends at work, at church, at play, and everywhere she went. She was easy to love, and she loved easily.

The focus of her life was always her children. In high school, she worried her father that she’d start a family too soon, but wisdom prevailed. Each of her children were all-stars in her eyes. She loved them through thick and thin, unequivocally, and supported their interests, sports, and hobbies. If you knew Rachael, you knew her love for her children and her dedication to being a good parent and mother to each of them. Likewise, she was a loving wife in good times and not-so-good times, and always looked up to Ryan as a strong husband and loving and patient father.

She also loved her church, All Souls Episcopal. She and her family faithfully attended services there. She was the proud parent when Scot and later Judah decided to be crucifers and be part of the Sunday service. She actively participated in the annual ShrineMont retreat and took great pride in sharing that time with friends and family. Rachael taught faith formation to the teens for several years. Her faith informed her love of all people. She took the command to love your neighbor as yourself seriously and supported minority and LGBTQ+ rights, and was inclusive in everything she did. No exceptions.

A service to honor Rachael’s memory will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 8154 Atlee Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23116, and is being conducted by All Soul’s Episcopal Church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to All Souls Episcopal Church or Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Fund.