Kathryn E. Rackstraw

Kathryn Elizabeth Rackstraw, age 94, of Bay City, MI & Lenoir City, TN, passed away on Friday, February 8, 2013 at NHC Nursing Home located in Oak Ridge, TN. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Essexville. Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, A.G. Rackstraw, Jr.; a son, Richard Bryant Rackstraw; an infant son, Thomas George Rackstraw; her parents, Frederick & Marie Reinbold; and four brothers, Eugene, Robert, Teddy and Frederick "Bud" Reinbold. She is survived by her son, James; a brother, Gerald; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Kathryn worked in support of her husband who founded the Rackstraw Fish Co. in 1944, remaining in business until they retired in 1980. They then spent their summers in Essexville and winters in Bradenton, FL. In 2009, Kathryn moved to Lenoir City, TN to live with her son James. For the last three years she resided at the NHC Nursing Home in Oak Ridge, TN. A Memorial Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2013 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Ricky M. Varner. Private inurnment will be at Elm Lawn Cemetery. Family and friends may gather at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements are by the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. www.gephartfuneralhome.com