Christle Jean Rakes

Christle Jean Rakes, 82, of Beebe, Ark., passed away Nov. 9, 2013. Upon reflection, her family sees she lived by several important rules: Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God. She lived a life of clarity, beauty, and strength, reminiscent of her name, Christle. Her selfless nature was evident in her volunteer work at Skaggs Memorial Hospital in Branson, Mo., which she loved to do even while battling cancer. Her family and friends are grateful for her love, smiling face, and caring heart. Mrs. Rakes is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Mason and Minnie Cowden; brothers, Clarence Mason, Clyde Mason, Delbert Mason, Howard Mason; sisters, Ruth Lyngholm, and Christine Shipley; and daughter-in-law Joyce Rakes. She will be missed dearly by her husband, James Rakes of Beebe, Ark.; sister, Dorothy "Dot" Lane of Santa Rosa, Calif.; children, Mike Rakes of Greenwood, S.C., and Stephen Rakes (Sherry) of North Little Rock, Ark.; grandchildren, Spencer Rakes (Carie) of South Lake, Texas, Sam Rakes (Laura) of Little Rock, Ark., and Matt Rakes (Brandy) of North Little Rock, Ark.; and great-grandchildren, Will Rakes, Ashley Rakes, Oliver Rakes, and Dexter Rakes. Visitation will be held at Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe, Ark. on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, from 5 to 7 p.m.. Memorial Service will be 3 p.m., Monday, Nov. 11, 2013 at First United Methodist Church in Beebe, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall for family and friends. Arrangements by Westbrook Funeral Home, a Smith Family Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.