Bonnie Frances Rakes
October 29, 1923 – May 14, 2026
Bonnie, Fran, Mama, Grandma Nana…Known and loved by all who knew her.
Greeted in Heaven by her husband, Heber, and her children that preceded her, as well as many other family members.
Born in Illinois, her family relocated to CA, where she met her soul mate. While living in San Francisco they received news that would literally change their destiny. The ocean air was deadly for one of their children. They bravely made a decision to relocate and change the destiny of their whole family. They attacked their new life on a dairy farm. No excuses, no complaints, just hard work and determination.
“She would do the dirtiest of dairy work, while at the same time being the daintiest of ladies.”
She worked on the farm, raised four children, and worked in the hospital. After retirement they moved to the city, but she wasn’t done yet. She worked part time at Rush. She refused to sit around and do nothing. After her husband’s death, she slowed down and moved to Virginia to live with her daughter, Karen. She went back to CA after a few years, before returning to Virginia two years ago.
We are beyond grateful to the staff at Bedford County Nursing home for the excellent care and love they gave her. We are also very thankful for the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice. They were there for our whole family and treated her with dignity and respect.
Bonnie loved and served Jesus Christ with her whole heart, and her greatest wish is to see all of us again one day, in Heaven.
Bonnie’s Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Faith Fellowship, 217 W. Depot Street, Bedford. There will be a dinner following the service. All are welcome to attend.
Bonnie’s legacy includes 4 children, 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 19 great-great grandchildren.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.