Grace G. Rackers

Grace G. Rackers, age 78, of Loose Creek, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at Linn Living and Rehab with her children at her side. Grace was born on July 24, 1938, in Loose Creek, a daughter to the late Gustave and Bertha (Orscheln) Backes. Grace was a 1956 graduate of Fatima High School. On November 23, 1957, she was united in marriage to Donald L. Rackers at Immaculate Conception Church in Loose Creek. He preceded her in death on April 21, 2014. Throughout her 45 years of home daycare, Grace's main passion was taking care and nurturing over 100 children. Prior to her daycare, she had been employed at International Shoe Company. Grace was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek, St. Ann's Sodality, and Quilter's Circle. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and tending flowers. However, her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Grace is survived by: two sons, Bruce Rackers (friend Jammie) of Bonnots Mill, and Leroy Rackers (wife Jenny) of Linn; four daughters, Cheryl Schulte (husband Sylvester) of Olean, Barb Kirsch (husband Andy) of Bonnots Mill, Nikkie Spratt (husband Dave) of Wardsville, and Melissa Koenigsfeld (husband Adam) of Rich Fountain; 12 grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, six great-step-grandchildren; one brother, Arthur Backes of Linn; one sister, Olivia Ruettgers (husband John) of Loose Creek; two sisters-in-law, Mary Bell of Jefferson City and Patricia Bracher of Tebbetts; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and spouse of 56 years, she was preceded in death by: one brother, Al Backes; and two sisters, Catherine Bescheinen and Angeline Kremer. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2017, Morton Chapel in Linn with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek with Fr. Louis Nelen as the celebrant. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Masses or American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Mo. (573-897-2214) www.mortonchapel.com