Marla J. Raines

Born Marla Jean Shackelton Aug. 25, 1924 in Esbon Kansas

She was blessed with 7 children, 24 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She loved and enjoyed them all. She was the very best mother, grandmother, wife and friend.

She loved her family and friends, always had an open door for anyone to visit. There were many gatherings at her house. She always tried feeding anyone that came through her door. The maintenance people and Schwan guy were always offered homemade cookies or candy.

There were some hard times in her life -- losing her husband, Jack R. Raines, on October 15, 1999 and Helen, her Daughter/Friend/Blackhawk buddy, on February 5, 2006 were among the most difficult.

Her greatest gift was giving. She crocheted many dish clothes and made quilts to give away. She loved with no conditions, gave with a smile and took with a happy heart.

Trips to Branson, Kansas and Blackhawk with her kids were a great joy for her. She enjoyed, Daniel O’Donnell, The Platters, playing Scrabble and Phase 10, computer games and books.

She had to go to Macy's because she “needed” a new purse about once a month and gave most of them away. At first she was afraid to ride the scooter at Walmart. Once she tried it, there was no way to keep track of her or to find her again.

She always liked going to Kansas for Memorial Day to visit with the Nephews and Nieces, and to put flowers on family graves.

Little known facts: Although she had not driven a car for many years, among her personal effects was a driver’s license, dated 7/9/1945. For a short time in her youth, she helped her brother, Chet, run moonshine.

She was a long time employee of the D Line Box Company