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Georgia Jean Raekes
04/12/1935 — 02/18/2006
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Algona, Iowa
Georgia Jean Raekes
Georgia Raekes, 70, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend left this world for a better place on February 18, 2006.
Georgia was born in Algona, Iowa, to Mona and George Hobbs on April 12, 1935, and was the oldest of five children. She graduated from St. Cecilias Catholic School in Algona where she was a cheerleader and was involved in many extracurricular activities including drama. Her childhood dream was to become a movie star.
She had many fond memories of living with her Grandmother Bessie Dunn and her aunts and uncles when she was in the first and second grades, while her father worked construction. Her father got a job with DuPont and moved the family to the Hanford Site near Richland, WA, in 1943. They returned to Iowa in 1945.
After graduating high school in 1954, Georgia returned to Richland to live with relatives, where she met her husband Homer Raekes. They were married on June 2, 1955, in Algona and returned to live in Richland where they raised their six children.
Georgia and Homer celebrated their 50th Anniversary last year.
Georgia was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church where she was involved with the Alter Society when her children were young. They have many memories of helping their mother clean the old church built during the Hanford construction era. When the children were all school-aged she worked for the Richland School District.
Georgia loved the water whether it was a trip to the ocean or swimming with her grandchildren. She enjoyed eating at restaurants and would take a bite of Homers meal and wonder why she didnt order that for herself. She enjoyed her flower gardens, decorating, going to the movies, and family traditions. Every Christmas she delighted in having the most beautiful Christmas tree ever. She liked spending time with her family and friends. Most of all she loved to laugh.
She was one of the favorite aunts to her many nieces and nephews.
Georgia is survived by her husband Homer, children: Cheryl Smith of Richland; Greg Raekes of Lakewood, WA; Mary Butterfield and her husband Scott of Richland; Lori Chase and her husband Dave of Ronald, WA; Cindy Raekes and her husband Kevin Smith of Plain, WA; and Nickolas Raekes of Richland; grandchildren: Sam Smith; Michael Dietrich; Jennifer, Sara, and Eryka Butterfield; Patric and Stuart Chase; and Brenna Smith; great-grandchildren: Kira and Cedar Chase, Gracelyn Dietrich, and another on the way; brothers and sister: Jerry Hobbs and his wife Margi of Hemet, CA; Terry Hobbs and his wife Barbara of Sun Valley, NV; Herb Hobbs and his wife Becky of Galt, CA; and Kathye Casteneda and her husband Dennis of Poway, CA; brother-in-law Phil Raekes and his wife Mary of Kennewick, WA; and sisters-in-law Olga Driskell and her husband Richard of Sellersburg, IN; and Helen Smith of Anderson, IN; aunts: Rose Dunn and Joann Christiensen, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Georgia was preceded in death by her parents George and Mona Hobbs, and grandson Dillon Walker Smith.
A Rosary will be held at Einans Funeral Home in Richland on Thursday, February 23, at 6 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland on Friday, February 24, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to any chapter of the American Diabetes Association.
I have many fond memories of the Raekes/Taylor family who lived next door on Thayer Drive. When I was a senior in high school, my fiance Ray Weyerts,left Richland to go to college. Homer was a good friend and neighbor, he was more like a big brother. He would talk about Georgia, and I would talk about Ray. We consoled one another. Later, Homer married Georgia and I married Ray and as couples we were good friends. Moving to Seattle, we sadly lost track of them. We meet at Club 40 several times keeping up with family happenings. I am so sorry that Homer has lost his soul mate Georgia. She was his best friend, lover and mother of his children. She will be missed.
Dear Homer & family,
To Dick and myself Georgia will always be a “treasure.” We loved her dearly. It was always a wonderful time when we were together. Know that she only goes on ahead to that place where we will all have to follow. Her spirit lives, of this I testify. Be blest in that knowledge and always hold a special place in your heart for her. Be comforted for comfort comes to those who mourn.
Our love,
Dick and Olga Driskell and family
Georgia was a joyful person,
her laugh was as beautiful as she was. Loving thoughts for Homer, children, and grandchildren. Fran & Ernie Gabriel
Please accept our deepest and most sincere sympathy in this time of your great sorrow. Georgia always had a smile and a laugh for life in general. When we visited a few years ago, we could still see the happy girl we knew in school. She was always a delight and always ready to give a helping hand. I know Georgia will be missed beyond words. Our blessings and prayers to the family.
Shirley Willey Zepeda, Class 1954
Homer–I am so sorry to hear of Georgia’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. I was a classmate of Georgia’s. Rose Sprout.
to homerand your wonderful children i send my love and huge feeling of sorrow and lose. georgia was and wil always be my best friend and confident. the memories are to many to even begin to tell, but georgia knows them and remembers them as vividly as i do. she will alway be with and around us with her smile and heart of love
Georgia was one of my dearest friends, fun loving, and loyal. I spent many nights at the Hobbs home while we were growing up. We both attended St. Cecelia’s Academy, were cheerleaders together. I was privileged to be a bridesmaid at Georgia and Homer’s wedding. She was much loved, and will be missed by everyone who knew her. With love, Joan
My sympathies to Homer and all family. Georgia and I shared wonderful teenage memories in Algona, Iowa. We kept in touch all these years and we got together a couple times, sharing laughter and memories. Georgia was my favorite person in my life for her beautiful personality, her quick laughter, her love of and devotion to her family, and her faith.
I will never forget her laugh, her faith or her family. Everytime I went to Richland I would stop and see her, I always thought of her as family.
My mother, Joan Stebritz was a friend/classmate. My sympathy to you, Homer, and your family as well.
Georgia’s Laugh was the most contagious I knew. She was so selfless and giving. I remember Visiting the tri-cities and would recall that I would try and visit Homer Georgia and the Kid’s who ever was there Even at an older age my wife and kids would demand that we see Homer and Georgia.
One time Homer had me Umpire one of Lori and Cindy’s Softball games, I was 15 Years old After he kicked out the other UmpireI Recalled after ward when we got back to The house Georgia got a little upset with Homer for putting me in that position. That was they way she was always laughing and enjoying life with friends. She will be missed dearly
I am so very sorry about Georgia’s passing away. One of my greatest joys was being able to bring Communion to Georgia for quite awhile until my retiring. Her faith, joy and fun-spirit touched me very much and I will miss her greatly. Homer, blessings to you and your family.
Love, Barbara
HELEN HAS BEEN MY BEST FRIEND SINCE HIGH SCHOOL AND HAS TALKED OF HER FAMILY QUITE OFTEN…PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES.
I have many fond memories of the Raekes/Taylor family who lived next door on Thayer Drive. When I was a senior in high school, my fiance Ray Weyerts,left Richland to go to college. Homer was a good friend and neighbor, he was more like a big brother. He would talk about Georgia, and I would talk about Ray. We consoled one another. Later, Homer married Georgia and I married Ray and as couples we were good friends. Moving to Seattle, we sadly lost track of them. We meet at Club 40 several times keeping up with family happenings. I am so sorry that Homer has lost his soul mate Georgia. She was his best friend, lover and mother of his children. She will be missed.
Dear Homer & family,
To Dick and myself Georgia will always be a “treasure.” We loved her dearly. It was always a wonderful time when we were together. Know that she only goes on ahead to that place where we will all have to follow. Her spirit lives, of this I testify. Be blest in that knowledge and always hold a special place in your heart for her. Be comforted for comfort comes to those who mourn.
Our love,
Dick and Olga Driskell and family
Georgia was a joyful person,
her laugh was as beautiful as she was. Loving thoughts for Homer, children, and grandchildren. Fran & Ernie Gabriel
Please accept our deepest and most sincere sympathy in this time of your great sorrow. Georgia always had a smile and a laugh for life in general. When we visited a few years ago, we could still see the happy girl we knew in school. She was always a delight and always ready to give a helping hand. I know Georgia will be missed beyond words. Our blessings and prayers to the family.
Shirley Willey Zepeda, Class 1954
Homer–I am so sorry to hear of Georgia’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. I was a classmate of Georgia’s. Rose Sprout.
to homerand your wonderful children i send my love and huge feeling of sorrow and lose. georgia was and wil always be my best friend and confident. the memories are to many to even begin to tell, but georgia knows them and remembers them as vividly as i do. she will alway be with and around us with her smile and heart of love
Georgia was one of my dearest friends, fun loving, and loyal. I spent many nights at the Hobbs home while we were growing up. We both attended St. Cecelia’s Academy, were cheerleaders together. I was privileged to be a bridesmaid at Georgia and Homer’s wedding. She was much loved, and will be missed by everyone who knew her. With love, Joan
My sympathies to Homer and all family. Georgia and I shared wonderful teenage memories in Algona, Iowa. We kept in touch all these years and we got together a couple times, sharing laughter and memories. Georgia was my favorite person in my life for her beautiful personality, her quick laughter, her love of and devotion to her family, and her faith.
I will never forget her laugh, her faith or her family. Everytime I went to Richland I would stop and see her, I always thought of her as family.
My mother, Joan Stebritz was a friend/classmate. My sympathy to you, Homer, and your family as well.
Georgia’s Laugh was the most contagious I knew. She was so selfless and giving. I remember Visiting the tri-cities and would recall that I would try and visit Homer Georgia and the Kid’s who ever was there Even at an older age my wife and kids would demand that we see Homer and Georgia.
One time Homer had me Umpire one of Lori and Cindy’s Softball games, I was 15 Years old After he kicked out the other UmpireI Recalled after ward when we got back to The house Georgia got a little upset with Homer for putting me in that position. That was they way she was always laughing and enjoying life with friends. She will be missed dearly
I am so very sorry about Georgia’s passing away. One of my greatest joys was being able to bring Communion to Georgia for quite awhile until my retiring. Her faith, joy and fun-spirit touched me very much and I will miss her greatly. Homer, blessings to you and your family.
Love, Barbara
HELEN HAS BEEN MY BEST FRIEND SINCE HIGH SCHOOL AND HAS TALKED OF HER FAMILY QUITE OFTEN…PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES.
Cheryl, I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Mom. You were always such inspiration to me in the “good ole days” and I enjoyed hearing of your family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Would love to hear from you.
Love, Nancy Page
12820 Greenwood Forest
Drive, Apt. # 724
Houston TX 77066
281-895-0925
Dear Cheryl, Sam and Raekes family:
We were so sorry to hear of Georgia’s passing. Unfortunately, we did not get the opportunity to know her, but from all your wonderful family stories, we got a sense of the closeness you shared.
God bless and peace be with you.
m&m
I always enjoyed time spent around your mom, she was very special.
My prayers are with you.
Homer and family, May God be with you all at this time. Remember all the good times that were spent togeather. Only met Georgia a few times when we ran into each other around town but I have worked with and around you for a long time. You also knew my Dad and worked with him. Take care and again, God be with you all.
Mike & Carol Tesky
Homer, my sincere sympathy to you and your dear family at the passing of your wife. I noticed her obit in the Bomber Sandstorm. It’s been many years since PRTR days but I remember you from those days. God bless you.
Ivamarie Douglas
Guestbook for
Georgia Jean Raekes