Barbara June Rakes

          Mrs. Barbara June Church Rakes, age 88, of Stuart, passed away Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the Blue Ridge Therapy Connection in Stuart.  She was born on November 7, 1930 in Patrick County to the late Don and Ruth Thompson Church.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Rakes; one daughter, Lark Eaton; one son, Tommy Rakes; one sister, Donna Ruth White; and one brother, David Church.  Mrs. Rakes attended Radford Teachers College and taught at Hardin Reynolds Elementary School.  She was the first female disc jockey at WHEO radio.  She worked for many years as a bookkeeper for Patrick County Bank and later Crestar and then retired to be a caregiver for her parents.  She was the activities director for the Blue Ridge Nursing Home and attended Stuart Baptist Church and New Life Community Fellowship.  She was a Past Grand Worthy Matron in the Order of the Eastern Star.  She was a very talented artist, a huge sports fan, and never missed her children’s games or events.  She was a wonderful mother who was always full of life, laughter, and had a real zest for life.

            Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Donny and Janet Rakes of Stuart; 9 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Janet Rakes of Raleigh, NC; and a brother, Bill Church (John Washburn) of Greenville, DE.

            Funeral services will be held Monday, December 3, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Rev. Jim Churchwell officiating.  Burial will follow in the Stuart Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5 to 7 at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be sent to www.moodyfuneralservices.com.