Mrs. Christine M. Rakes, age 93, of Laurel Fork, Virginia passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at Hillsville Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Her daughters and granddaughter were by her side. Born June 26, 1924 in Laurel Fork VA, she was one of the many babies delivered by the "Mountain Midwife" Orleana Puckett. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Arlis Rakes, her parents, J. H. Marshall and MaryAnne Elizabeth Sowers Marshall, her ten siblings brothers - Parley, Carley, Marvin, Silas, and Foy; and sisters - Josie Gentry, Ocie Puckett, Lettie Martin, Cordelia Vaughan, and Aileen Wiggins, all of whom she loved dearly.

Her survivors are her daughters, Sharon Wickel (Lee), Knightdale, NC, Elizabeth Rakes, Hillsville, VA, three grandchildren Marie Leszczak, Kevin Wickel, and Danielle Flowers and one great-granddaughter, Mia Leszczak, and many loving nieces and nephews.

In 1941, when Mrs. Rakes was sixteen years old she graduated Hillsville High School. She attended Radford College. She thrived on work. She taught school, worked in a hosiery mill, farmed with her husband, worked in sales at Jackson's Department Store, and in housekeeping at Olde Mill Golf Course. She loved gardening, growing beautiful flowers and vegetables, which she preserved and shared with family, friends and neighbors. She enjoyed needlework, quilting, and crocheting

Mrs. Rakes volunteered in the community - PTA, 4-H, Senior Citizens, Homemaker's Club, and the auxiliary associations with the Laurel Fork Community Fire Department and the VFW. Once she was no longer able to serve her community, Mrs. Rakes was grateful for the care and kindness she received from the staff at HRHC Center.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mrs. Rakes served in teaching and administrative capacities, unselfishly caring for those in need. She loved the Savior as she "went about doing good."

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Jonah Marshall Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 until 2:00 PM prior to the funeral service.

Christine Rakes loved flowers and plants but she also loved the Laurel Fork Community Center and the Jonah Marshall Cemetery, donations may be made payable to them in her memory and mailed to Post Office Box 1994, Hillsville, Va 24343 or directly to the entity.

Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.