Nancy Rakes

Nancy Jane Rakes, a lifelong resident of New Mexico passed away peacefully with her family at her side at her home on Monday, July 1st, 2024. Nancy was born in 1934 in Dayton, Ohio. She was 89 years old.

Her family migrated from Dayton Ohio to Albuquerque NM in the early 1940s. Nancy met Ted Rakes while in high school and were married in the late 1940s. They were happily married for over 74 years. Nancy spent her early days raising their 4 children and supporting her husband Ted who worked countless days and hours at the Rakes Variety Store located on South Broadway in Albuquerque. The family business migrated into a successful New Mexico real estate development company.

Ted and Nancy moved to Tijeras New Mexico in 1967. They joined and remain members of the First Baptist Church in Tijeras. Nancy devoted her life to the church, her Lord and savior, her loving husband Ted and her 4 children. Over the years, Nancy served in many capacities in the Church and helped grow the church and help many people find the Lord.

In 1971, Ted and Nancy purchased a small cabin at El Vado Lake in northern New Mexico and spent many of their summers making improvements and enjoying the beautiful country. Nancy loved the cabin and her time spent there; it was truly a labor of love.

Nancy also loved traveling and exploring old ghost towns in northern New Mexico and though out the western US. Nancy and Ted traveled extensively in the United States with family and friends, most memorable were their many trips to Hawaii. She loved Hawaii.

Ted and Nancy were married for over seventy-four years and loved each other deeply. She also took pride in successfully raising her children and supporting their efforts in life during sometime difficult times. Nancy loved to cook and prepare family gatherings and welcomed everyone.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband Ted, sons Dan Rakes and wife Rose of Rio Rancho and Ted Rakes Jr and his wife Jackie of Bayfield Co. Nancy is also survived by 7 loving grandchildren, Monica, Danielle, Troy, Christopher, Joshua, Hollie, Isaac and several great grandchildren.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents Paul and Grace Clark, her oldest son Michael and her daughter Paula Rakes; brother Dick Clark and sister Joanne Dunlap.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the amazing caregivers at Presbyterian Hospice Care (especially Charline) and the personal caregivers Roxanna, Tenisa, Mary and close family friends Janice and Lori.

A celebration of Nancy's life and service will be held Monday, July 15th, 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Tijeras. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Albuquerque.