Nancy Gale Rakestraw

Nancy G. Rakestraw, 90, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, in Chesapeake, VA, with her children at her bedside. Nancy was born on May 20, 1935, in Youngstown, Ohio.

She joins her husband Lowell D. Rakestraw; parents, Margaret (Finnie) Eyster and Eric W. Coates Eyster; her siblings, Jeannie (Eyster) Allen and Earl Eyster, all who preceded her in death. She leaves behind her loving children Roberta A. Rakestraw and David J. Rakestraw (Lynne); grandchildren Clay (Alexis), Jacob, Noah, and Emily; her great granddaughter Blake; nieces Meg and Jill and nephews Robert, Larry, Rick, and Rod. After the death of her husband Lowell, Nancy found companionship and joy with her partner and high school sweetheart Phillip R. Blake (who also preceded her in death).

Nancy graduated from Boardman High School in 1953 and St. Luke's School of Nursing in 1956. Nancy was a registered nurse, specializing in home health, for over forty years. She raised her family in Ashtabula, Ohio, and spent the next 30 years in Hendersonville, TN, before relocating to Chesapeake to be near her daughter. She loved to paint, sew, garden, and travel. She always sought out the best in people, always a kind word to say. She loved people, and people loved her. She was extremely generous and contributed to numerous charitable organizations. Nancy was also recently recognized as a "Golden Girl" for her fifty years of service to her beloved educational philanthropic organization PEO. Nancy was also a member of Community United Methodist Church of Virginia Beach and First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, TN, whose members showered her with cards and love during the past years as she struggled with health issues.

The family would like to personally thank her personal caregiver/companion Carolyn Kiersey from Home Instead, and Dr. Sue Beth Hudson and Tidewater Integrative Care for their exceptional and loving care.

In honor of her memory, spread kindness.

A service to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Rd, Chesapeake. The family will receive friends following the service in the Reception Center for a time of food and continued fellowship. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service and to leave a condolence to the family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Faith in Our Future fund at Community United Methodist Church.