Phyllis Kay Rakestraw

Her faith became sight when Jesus softly and tenderly called Phyllis home Friday August 1, 2025, in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Born on March 16, 1937, in Lansing, Michigan, to Arthur and Greda McFarren. Phyllis grew up in the nearby community of Okemos. She graduated from Okemos High School with the Class of 1954 and went on to pursue her calling in nursing. In 1957, she earned her Registered Nurse certification through West Suburban Hospital School for Nurses, Oak Park Illinois. While in nursing school she met James Rakestraw at Judson Memorial Church, fell in love and married. In 1961 they moved to Lansing Michigan to start a new business, Rakestraw Carpet and Furniture Cleaning and raise their family.

Phyllis began her professional life as a surgical nurse, demonstrating both skill and compassion in her work. Upon welcoming her first child, Phyllis paused her nursing career to focus on raising the lights of her life: Jill, Jeff, and Todd. After the birth of her first grandchild, she returned to nursing as a labor and delivery nurse for 20 years. Her dedication to caregiving remained a constant throughout her life until her retirement.

Faith played a central role in Phyllis’s life. She was a devoted member of South Church in Lansing for 58 years. There, she taught Junior High Sunday School for many of those years, shaping young minds with the truth of God's word. She also served as a leader and teacher with the Christian Women’s Club of Lansing, sharing her faith and fostering community among women across generations.

Phyllis had a gift for hospitality. She loved gathering people around her table for hearty meals and meaningful conversation. Her home was often filled with laughter, stories, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked food that she loved to prepare. Pies were a specialty.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband James Rakestraw; and their son Todd Rakestraw.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: daughter Jill Rakestraw Emery (Marc) of Colorado; son Jeff Rakestraw (Lori) of Wisconsin; and daughter-in-law Tami Rakestraw Warren (Brian) of Lansing. Phyllis was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Paige Kimball (Jordan); Kendal Wolgemuth (Erik); Morgan Williams (Dylan); Stephanie Skiba (Justin); McKenna Pulda (Josh); Galen Rakestraw (Olive); Austin Rakestraw; Nicki Robbins (Elijah) and cherished each of her fifteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Diane Pangburn of California.

A Visitation at 10:00 AM with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM will be held at South Church 5250 Cornerstone Drive on August 8, 2025. A Luncheon for family and friends will be provided after the Service. Phyllis will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Livestream link to the funeral service: https://southlife.org/funeral/