of O'Fallon, IL
December 31, 1940 - February 17, 2022
Katherine Rackley, nee Kuespert, was born December 31, 1940, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and passed away February 17, 2022, age 81, in O'Fallon, Illinois, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Katherine lived in Little Rock for most of her life. She graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1958 and attended Ouachita Baptist College, majoring in music. She trusted Jesus as her Savior in 1979 and faithfully served at Geyer Springs First Baptist, and especially loved singing in the choir with her beautiful voice. Katherine enjoyed cooking, camping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She was known for her faith, beautiful smile, infectious laugh, cheerful service, and love for her family.
Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, Max J. Kuespert and Edith J. Kuespert of Little Rock; brothers, John H. Kuespert, Max J. Kuespert II, and Homer Lee Kuespert, and sister, Francis E. Foster. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, John ''Ed'' Rackley; her children, Edwin Rackley of Los Angeles, California, Alan Rackley of Little Rock, Jeanette Gulick (Jeffrey) of O'Fallon, Illinois, and Phillip Rackley of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Katherine was blessed with four grandchildren, Josiah Gulick (Kimberly), John Gulick (Suzanna), Jenna Gulick, and Jacob Gulick, plus three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral is on Monday, February 28, at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, Little Rock. Visitation is at 9:30 AM, service is at 10:30 AM, followed by a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arkansas Baptist Children's Home.
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12 Condolence(s)
Evelyn Vest-Arnold
Friday, February 25, 2022
Ed and Family, I am so sorry to learn of Katherine’s passing. The years have been fleeting, but the memories of the years we shared at Geyer Springs and the experiences we shared as families are timeless. May God’s comforting presence soothe your hearts as you grieve your loss.
Robert & Kathy Johnson
Friday, February 25, 2022
May our Lord provide his peace as you grieve Katherine's passing.
Jeri Partain Chadwick
Thursday, February 24, 2022
My Aunt Katherine was a beautiful red haired young lady that my Uncle Eddie brought into our family. I remember her walking down the aisle in a beautiful wedding dress and thinking that must be what an angel looks like. Her beautiful smile brightened up any room she entered. She was the cool aunt that played rock and roll when we had some girl time. Family was very important to her and she tried to attend every graduation, funeral and wedding. Heaven is rejoicing with her and prayers being sent to my cousins and uncle.
Dennis & Coulette Kuespert
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Our thoughts, prayers, hugs and love are sent your way Uncle Ed and family. Aunt Katie was a wonderful person and an example for us all. We will truly miss her but she is with Jesus and reunited with her loved ones. I know her brother, Max, loved her so very much. May the Lord God bless you, keep you and bring you peace. ðŸ™ðŸ»â¤ï¸
Theresa Qualls
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Loved Mrs. Rackley! Such a great sense of humor!
Pamela Stein Trimble
Thursday, February 24, 2022
We am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you and family are in our prayers.
Chuck and Stacy Shelnutt
Thursday, February 24, 2022
We are so sorry for your lost. We will be praying for yall.
Jessie Webb
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Prayers for you as you mourn her death but celebrate her life.
Steve Partain
Thursday, February 24, 2022
I remember a beautiful lady with a soft voice and vibrant, wavy red hair. When I was young, our family would travel from Houston to Little Rock to visit with my Aunt Katherine and Uncle Eddie, who lived close to my grandmother’s house. Her dogs, two Boston Terriers, were usually close at hand, and I always remember the gentle care she gave them. Even at such a young age, she left an impression on me as a kind and loving spirit. I did not know that she sang in the church choir, but I am not surprised by this. She was gifted in many ways as evidenced by the love surrounding her by her devoted family. I know she is smiling down and at peace in her joyous place in heaven. I like to think she is singing in the choir there as well.
Robyn Smith (Hirby)
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Dear Rackley Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. We have traveled the same path and know the pain. We also know the joy of heaven for our precious mothers. Thankful to have known your mom. She was a precious lady.
Deb Griffin Bandimere
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Dear Rackley Friends, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She was a dear, dear soul!! A really wonderful person!! Always smiling. She was always so very kind to me!! I have good memories of her! May Jesus comfort you at this time. With love, Deb Griffin Bandimere
Jim Welch
Thursday, February 24, 2022
my deepest sympathy and prayers for your family at this time of loss. May she rest eternal in the nearer presence of God, and may God's peace and comfort embrace you all in your grief.