Linda Joyce Rakestraw

LINDA RAKESTRAW

Linda Joyce Rakestraw, 77, most recently of Gainesville, longtime resident of Wichita Falls and Archer City passed away April 11, 2022 in Gainesville.

Linda was born November 9, 1944 in Fort Worth, TX.  The family moved to Wichita Falls in her childhood where she graduated from Wichita Falls High School “Old High”.  Mrs. Rakestraw became a beautician and styled hair.  Thereafter, she completed nursing school at Bethania Hospital and her Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Midwestern State University.  She served in the nursing field for 46 years, in the Wichita Falls area including being head surgery nurse in the OR at Wichita Falls General Hospital.  She married Don Rakestraw on December 8, 1975 in Wichita Falls.  The couple moved to their home on Lake Kickapoo, near Archer City, that they dubbed “Cardinal Hill.”  For many years, this home served as a gathering place for their beloved family, whose company the Rakestraw’s treasured greatly.  Retiring to Gainesville in 2015 to be closer to their children. Mrs. Rakestraw was a caregiver to many: her patients, parents, family, and cherished pets.

Mrs. Rakestraw was preceded in death by: parents, Wayne and Delva Lee Hembey; husband, Don Rakestraw; son, Russell Schmid; and grandson, Zachary Rakestraw.

Survivors include: daughter, Lisa Bowles and husband, Fred of Valley View; daughter, Chantelle Redman and husband, Tim of Benedict, NE; son, Devin Rakestraw and wife, Nancy of Lewisville; son, Jay Bowen and wife, April of Lewisville; daughter-in-law, Brenda Schmid of Gainesville; daughter, Stacy Childress of Gainesville; brother, Rick Hembey and wife, Naomi of Austin; sister-in-law, Nancy Hembey of Austin; grandchildren: Cody, Jason, Ryan, Anna, Taylor, Josh, Courtney, Brianna, Logan, Trevor, and Travis; and 12 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at Fairview Cemetery with Rev. Hollis Parsons officiating.  The family will receive friends at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.  Arrangements are under the care of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flower, memorial contributions may be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter or VFW Post 1922, both of Gainesville, TX.

Please place flower orders directly through a local florist.

https://www.geojcarroll.com/florists