Barbara G. Rackers

Barbara Gayle Rackers, age 80, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Sunday, June 23, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family.
Barb was born August 22, 1943, in Eldon, Mo., the daughter of the late Chester Samuel and Edna (Smith) Apperson. After meeting in college, she was united in marriage to Thomas Perry "Tom" Rackers on August 7, 1965, in Eldon. Together, they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage.
A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Barb graduated from Eldon High School in 1961. During her high school career, she participated in Girl's State and was a cheerleader. She continued her education at the University of Missouri, graduating in 1965 with her bachelor's degree in education and minoring in English.
After college, Barb embarked on a lifelong passion for teaching, dedicating 31 years to educating young minds. She started her career at St. Elizabeth Elementary School for a year and transitioned to Jefferson City Public Schools for the majority of her teaching career. She taught fourth grade at South Elementary School and later at Belair Elementary until her retirement in 1998. Throughout her career, she was a member of both the Missouri Teacher's Association and the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.
Outside of work, Barb had a wide array of hobbies and interests that brought her immense joy. She was an avid reader and had a knack for crossword puzzles, rarely missing her nightly puzzle routine. Her sociable nature led her to enjoy frequent lunches with close friends and she took a genuine interest in others. As her health declined, Barb found pleasure in bird watching, observing nature, and feeding animals from her back porch.
Barb was a member of First Christian Church, where she passionately served in their Food Pantry for many years and enjoyed contributing to the Buddy Pack Program.
Barb cherished time with her family above all else, finding immense joy in watching her children and grandchildren grow. Her love for family extended to traveling with her husband Tom, and they shared a passion for attending University of Missouri games and Jay games. She eagerly anticipated holiday gatherings, where she and her daughter Leslie created special memories baking Santa cookies together. She loved exchanging stories with Chris during their frequent visits. During the summer months, Barb lovingly watched her grandchildren, organizing a school program to keep their minds engaged. For Barb, any time spent with family was quality time, filled with love and cherished moments.
Her family will remember her quick wit, unwavering love, and generous nature. She truly had a servant's heart and was dedicated to helping everyone-students, family, friends, and neighbors-become their best selves.
Survivors include: her husband of nearly 60 years, Tom; two children, Chris Rackers (Paige) and Leslie Padberg (Mike), both of Jefferson City; five grandchildren, Emily Adair (Toby), Trey Padberg, Sam Rackers, Ryan Padberg, and Max Padberg; two siblings, Betty Yaeger (Keith) of Columbia, Mo. and Gordon Apperson (Sarah) of Lee's Summit, Mo.; brother-in-law, Terry Rackers (Sally); and numerous nieces, nephews and members of her extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Blanch Opie and Ruth Brown; and two brothers, Carl Apperson and Howard Apperson.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2024, at First Christian Church, 327 E Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101.
A memorial service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2024, at First Christian Church with the Reverend Dr. Michael Dunn officiating.
A webcast of Barb's service will begin at 12:00 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2024, for friends that are not able to attend by going to the "photos and videos" tab of this page and scrolling down to the webcasting link.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Central Missouri Hospice, 1001 Southwest Blvd Suite A, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.