By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
9 Comments
    • Service

      A Celebration of Life to be planned in the future.

    • Full Obituary

      The youngest of seven, Barbara A. Rakers was born in St Jacob and raised north of Highland, IL. She graduated from St Paul High School in 1959, and was married in 1961. She worked at Farmers and Merchants bank before leaving to raise her family.

      She was always a volunteer for the many organizations that her 5 children were involved in. As her children began to enter college, Barbara decided to return to school and in 1986 she earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Southwest Illinois College. She then went on to serve as the Director of Administrative Services for Faith Countryside Homes for 17 years. She enjoyed genealogy, photography, and collecting antiques. And she was known for her extensive collection of angel figurines. She was a devoted grandmother who loved spending time with her grandchildren and taking delight and pride in their accomplishments.

      She was very involved in parish work, and served on the parish council and school board. Above all, her faith was her passion and she was known and loved for being a caring devoted family member and friend. She was a rock of faith and kindness for many and could always be counted on to offer assistance to others in times of trouble. Her concern was always for others, downplaying her own struggles and never giving voice to pity or negativity.  She was beloved in her community and will be missed by many.

      Barb was involved in many clubs and organizations--St Paul Catholic Church, Highland IL, member of the Cursillo Movement; Daughters of Isabella, Sacred Heart Circle #237 (Treasurer); Daughters of the American Revolution – Silver Creek Chapter (Registrar); Looking Glass Prairie Genealogy Group; St. Anne Altar Society; Ladies Auxillary to the Knights of Columbus Council #1510; Collinsville Area Camera Club; Highland Celebrations-Cancer Support Group at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

      She is survived by her husband, Vernon Rakers of Highland, IL; sons, Joseph Rakers and his wife, Marie Susan of St. Louis, MO; Lawrence Rakers and his wife, Carol of Wilmington, MA; Michael  Rakers and his wife, Rosie of Schererville, IN; daughters, Susan Rakers of Indianapolis, IN, and Cynthia Clark and husband Chris of Ballwin, MO; Grandchildren, Courtney, Sarah, Emily, Samantha, James, Joseph, Jonathan, Amanda, and Anastasia; brothers, Alvin Daiber, Charles and wife Ruthanne Daiber; sister, Doris Bugger; sister-in-law, Margaret Daiber.

      She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Sarah Daiber; brothers, Paul, George, Leonard and his wife Alice; sister-in-law Rochelle; brother-in-law Cletus Bugger.

      In lieu of flower or gifts, we ask you to donate to the Autism Society in Barbara's Name.

      A Celebration of Life to be planned in the future.

      Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

       

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    9 Condolences
     
    1. Sharon and Phil Klostermann / March 31, 2020 at 5:34 pm

      Barb was a terrific neighbor, friend, condo assn president, treasurer for the KC Ladies Auxiliary, who always had an upbeat attitude, never complaining. She shall be greatly missed! She fought so long and hard, concerning all her health issues, God just wasn’t ready to take her yet. Her faith sustained her and her family. Love you, Barb! May you Rest In Peace as you are no longer suffering. May this thought help to raise up your family.

    2. Lori / April 2, 2020 at 7:53 am

      Joe & Sue-Please accept our deepest condolences.

      Lori & Matt Headley

    3. Joan Jenne / April 2, 2020 at 8:58 pm

      Barb was a blooming flower from the time I have known her. Her faith & humor was so inspiring! Please accept our deepest sympathy.

    4. Patricia Witt Epps / April 3, 2020 at 7:07 am

      Barb was a very kind, loving and sweet lady. She had a heart for service to her community. She is loved and missed deeply by her friends and fellow daughters of the Silver Creek Daughters of the American Revolution.

    5. Allen Strieker / April 3, 2020 at 12:22 pm

      Vernon and Family:
      Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We always enjoyed her smile and laughter. She enjoyed playing jokes and pranks on others. She now has peace and reward with with God.
      Allen and Rose Strieker

    6. Dale Kampwerth / April 4, 2020 at 8:28 am

      My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Rakers family during this time of sorrow.

    7. Virginia Healy / April 14, 2020 at 8:27 pm

      To Vernon and your wonderful family, my heartfelt sympathy! Con and I loved and admired
      Barb’s deep faith and great spirit throughout her illness. You were always a tremendous support
      to her also. My heart reaches out to you as well as my prayers. May our Lord’s strength and consolation
      support you during this difficult time.
      Sincerely,
      Mrs. Virginia Healy
      (Con, from Heaven)

    8. Carolyn Isert Firestone / May 14, 2020 at 12:45 pm

      To Vernon Rakers and family
      My deepest condolences on the loss of your wife and mother. May the memories of her be a blessing. I’m sure she is being welcomed into Heaven for all of her good work on earth. May she Rest In Peace. Amen

    9. Cherie Kuhn / June 11, 2020 at 10:00 pm

      I knew Barb at DAR. Always a delight to talk to. Very nice and caring person. I was very sad to hear she had passed away. I will miss her a lot. My sympathy to the family.

    Leave a Condolence or Memory: