Ms. Ruby Estelle Rakestraw

Ruby Estelle Bowman Rakestraw passed away at her Atlanta home on January 28, 2026 at the age of 93. Second only to her family, Ruby loved dogs and was a skillful trainer. She often had as many as seven dogs at a time, all obedient to her commands, and had a special fondness for Jack Russell terriers.

Born in Crossville, Alabama on July 22, 1932, Ruby grew up in Powder Springs GA and attended Cobb County Public Schools. In 1948, a friend arranged a blind date with Amos Clinton Rakestraw, whom she married soon after and started a family that grew to three children.

Ruby enjoyed traveling and outdoor adventures with her daughters. She had a long career in the data processing field, retiring from the Internal Revenue Service following stints with Frito-Lay, Goodyear and other large companies. In her later years, she attended Collins United Methodist Church with daughter Carmen, with whom she lived for the last decade-plus of her life.

She was predeceased by her parents, Edna Irene Carnes Dixon and Shelley Butler Bowman, who were drawn together by Shelley's skill as a banjo player; husband, Amos; her beloved daughter, Margo Rakestraw Serroro (Albert); sisters, Rachel Eskew and Annette Bowman; brother, Benjamin Marvin Bowman.

Ruby is survived by daughter, Carmen Rakestraw Agnew (Bill) of Atlanta; son, Robin Conrad Rakestraw of Roswell; granddaughter, Jennifer Kline of Cumming; great-granddaughters, Megan Tobon (Brian), Lauren Kline, and Ava Kline; great-great grandchildren, Andrei Zabaline, Niko Zabaline, Nia Tobon, Myla Tobon, Callie Tobon and Carter Tobon; and a large extended family.

Visitation for Ms. Ruby Estelle Rakestraw will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 1 P.M. until 2 P.M.

There will be a Celebration of Life with food and fellowship following the visitation in the Fellowship Hall at Benson Funeral Home.

Benson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Ruby Estelle Rakestraw.