Rakes, Merle Sowers

Claudie “Merle” Sowers Rakes, 94, of Shawsville, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Merle and her husband Herman were the owners of Rakes Building Supply for over 50 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Reese Sowers and Roxie Sowers Flinchum Bradford; two sisters, one brother; one son; and one great-grandson. She is survived by her husband of 77 years, Herman C. Rakes; sons and spouses, Don Rakes (Ida), Bill Rakes (Janice), Bruce Rakes (Sally), Ron Rakes (Kitty); daughter-in-law, Edean Rakes; brother, Joe Sowers; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and employees at Commonwealth Assisted Living.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 12, 2017, from 5-8 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at 2 p.m. in the Horne Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Ed Watkins officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery.