Charlene Raikes
RAIKES
Charlene Raikes, 89, passed from this life on July 17, 2018, in Gilbert, Arizona, with a daughter and her pastor at her side. In the last days of her life, she was surrounded by her loving family and friends.
She was born in Elkins in 1928 to the late Virginia and Kenneth Talbott. As the oldest of nine children, she learned to be nurturing at an early age.
Charlene married Tom Raikes in 1947, and they shared 57 years of marriage before Tom passed away in 2004.
Charlene and Tom were blessed with four children, Jan Kummet (Tom) of Sequim, Washington, Margi Hughes (Larry) of Laveen, Arizona, Virginia Millet (Gary) of Gilbert, Arizona, and Ken Raikes (Tammy) of Corryton, Tennessee; and 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Kenneth, Alton, Dane, Danny and Willie Talbott; and sisters, Jane Vanscoy, Ginny Digman and Linda Joiner.
Her brother, David, preceded her in death.
In 1968, at age 40, Charlene fulfilled a long-time dream of becoming an RN, with three of her children still living at home. Charlene and Tom lived in Akron, Ohio, and she moved to Arizona in 2005, where she thrived at the Independent Living facility at Fellowship Square in Mesa. Charlene has always had a special love of music and a beautiful soprano voice. She was active in the church choir in Ohio. When she moved to Fellowship Square and discovered they didn’t have a choir, she started one, which continues to flourish. She also loved being an active part of the Music Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Mesa.
A celebration of Charlene’s life was held at First Presbyterian Church of Mesa, and at Fellowship Square in Mesa. She will be laid to rest in Philippi alongside her husband, Tom.
Donations in Charlene’s memory may be made to the Music, Ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Mesa of Phoenix Hospice of the Valley.