Betty S. Rakes

Betty S. Rakes, 80, of Strasburg,formerly of Maple Heights, passed away following an extended illness on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family.

Born in Concho, West Virginia on February 16, 1938, she was the daughter of the late George O. and Mary (Webster) Martin. She is also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Danielle McClish; two sisters, Norma (James “Jimmy”)Twiggs, and Linda Bearfoot; along with her brother in-law, David Sexton; and her beloved canine companions, Angel and Tommy.

She attended Collins High School in Oak Hill, West Virginia. On April 3, 1954, she married the love of her life, Charles “Tom” Rakes, who survives. She also leaves behind her son; Charles Jr. (Lisa) Rakes of Seven Hills; two daughters, Melinda (Christine) Rakesmith of North Fort Myers, Florida, Tammy (Robert) McClish of Macedonia, Ohio, Ohio; her sister, Shirley Sexton of Dover; along with four grandchildren, Charlena, Stephen, Michael, and Daniel; along with her sister in-law, Deane (Calvin) Robinson of Republic, Ohio.

She loved doing crafts and crocheting. She made prayer shawls for the First United Methodist Church in Dover and also put together care packages for active military woman over the years. She will be remembered for her generosity. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 12:00pm with Pastor Larry Fletcher officiating. Interment will take place at the Mausoleum at Dover Burial Park. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Following the service of committal, a meal will be served in the Famous Endings Museum at the funeral home in Dover. To sign an online guestbook for Betty, visit the obituary link on the funeral home’s website.


Memorial contributions can be made to Aultman Hospice Foundation, 2600 Sixth St. SW, Canton, Ohio 44710.