LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Six months after devastating tornadoes moved through western Kentucky leaving death and destruction in their path, families and communities continue to heal and rebuild. 

Eighty-one people died when the tornadoes moved through the state late Dec. 10 and continued into the morning hours of Dec. 11. Of those who died, 24 were in Graves County, where the county seat is Mayfield.

Mountains of debris have been removed from Mayfield, but there's still much work to do. A vacant lot is all that's left of a candle factory that was destroyed, leaving nine workers dead. Mayfield city officials have reported 257 structures destroyed, with more than 1,000 others damaged.

Just days after the tornadoes moved through Dawson Springs, one resident stood in the debris pleading: "Don't forget about it six months down the road, because the people are, you know, we're still going to be struggling."

Mae White, 77, was one of more than one dozen victims who did not survive the tornado in Bowling Green. Her daughter, Shirbai White, told WDRB News on Friday that the family is still grieving.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear noted the six-month milestone during his weekly "Team Kentucky" news conference on June 9, announcing a sixth round of awards from the West Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies (SAFE) fund. The more than $16.3 million in assistance announced will go to two eligible Western Kentucky counties and one utility to help with the costs of restoration and recovery, according to a news release. 

In the six months since the tornadoes, it's estimated that federal, state and Red Cross disaster assistance efforts have surpassed more than $190 million. 

Beshear toured Mayfield on June 10 — the semi-anniversary of the tornado — to check on the rebuilding progress. 

While there, Beshear joined city leaders to celebrate the first fully-constructed new homes going to three local families. The construction of the homes was made possible with funding from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund and the nonprofit Homes and Hope for Kentucky.

"To see three of our Western Kentucky families enter their new homes, only six months after these devastating tornadoes, is truly a remarkable milestone that offers us all a great deal of hope," Beshear said in a news release. "Today is a culmination of the hard work, determination and compassion of a lot of people and I am grateful to everyone who played a part in making this possible for the Patterson, Russell and Rio families."

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Among those who have not forgotten is the owner of Ramiro's Cantina food truck, who made his way to Mayfield almost immediately after the tornadoes hit. He spoke with WDRB News about the experience Friday morning.

"It was surreal when we got there," owner Ramiro Gandara said. "We were actually the first truck on site. We got there around 9:30 that night, and all the lights were out."

Ramiro has been back to Mayfield multiple times since December and, aside from serving food, has also built relationships in the community. 

"I mean, if you would've saw what I saw with that town, it was devastating," he said.

Gandara is now working with the governor's office to coordinate another trip in the future. It will be his fourth trip, taking his food truck to areas devastated by the tornadoes.

Several other food trucks from the Louisville area have also made trips to western Kentucky to help.

Six months later, it is clear Kentuckians have not forgotten the lives that were lost or the survivors who still need help. 

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