My great grandfather's name was Josiah Trent Rakestraw. He was born in January of 1852 in Webster County, KY. My great grandmother Fredonia "Dona" Tompkins was born in 1853. They were married in 1872 and had 9 children.
My grandfather's name was Thurman, and he was born in 1880. My grandmother, Otha Melton, was born in 1886. They also had 9 children. Their first child was James Rakestraw, who was born in 1906. Their last child was my father, Arch, who was born in 1929.
My family was living in Webster County long before Josiah was born and everyone, including my father, was born and raised there.
I knew all of my aunts and uncles with the exception of James, who died in 1940. I never met my grandmother Otha, who died in 1944.
As of yesterday morning, the only one of my 9 aunts and uncles still living was my Aunt Blanche, who was known as Aunt Sis. She died yesterday.
Blanche Rakestraw was born on May 4, 1924. She married Lloyd Dreisbach and they had 7 children - Carrie, Joan, Lloyd (Skeeter), Janet, Lucille, JoAnn, and Jack.
Jack was born in 1962 and so he and I were close in age. I remember visiting them in Evansville and what I remember most was hanging around with Jack.
Carrie died as a baby. I only remember the pictures of a baby dressed up in a dress. At some point I realized how very painful that must have been.
Thurman died in 1971. Blanche would have been 47, and both of her parents were gone.
I remember Lloyd. He was a character. He had a raspy laugh that I remember hearing a lot. He passed away too soon, and sometime later Blanche moved back to Kentucky.
Lucille got married and started a family and passed away tragically too soon as well.
Joan passed away in 2006, after retiring from Whirlpool.
Jack started a family and a cleaning business and watched after his mother and older sister Janet, who has special needs. They lived in Webster County not far from where Blanche grew up.
One by one, my uncles passed away. My aunt Mary Jo, Blanche's only sister, passed away as well. Finally it was just Dad and Aunt Sis, and then Dad passed away.
In 2014 my cousin Jack died as well. I cannot imagine how my aunt must have felt, losing her son and caretaker, but I realize how much she had been through already.
I feel terrible for my cousins. I know what a blow this is for JoAnn and Skeeter. I grieve for them. But for my cousin Janet, who had been by her mother's side her entire life, this is nothing short of devastating. I worry about her.
With my father being one of 9 kids we have a lot of cousins and many of them live in the area. They are great people and they will be there for Blanche's remaining children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. At 91 years old this was not unexpected, but the loss of a parent is always a terrible shock.
My aunt was an incredibly strong person who endured more pain and loss than anyone should have to. She lost two parents, her spouse, eight siblings, and four children; not to mention the many friends and neighbors that we all lose over time. I suppose if one lives long enough it is inevitable.
She was always kind and loving to me and I have good memories of her. In the final analysis she was a simple country woman. I always saw so much of my father in her; or perhaps it was the other way around.
With her passing a generation is gone for me. And since Dad was the youngest, all of my cousins are older than me. My younger brother and sister are the only exceptions. Many of my older cousins are already gone, and I realize the clock is ticking for us all.
Reflecting on my aunt's life I am struck by not only the heartache and losses but also the strength and resilience of this 91 year old lady. She saw so much in her lifetime. There were plenty of good times and laughter amidst the struggles. My aunt is the definition of a survivor.
I am reminded of my grandfather, who lived the same number of years as his daughter. I remember him walking everywhere, albeit with a cane, when he was well into his 80's. We come from hearty stock.
My aunt showed that one can experience hardships and still be a survivor. She stayed strong for the people who were still counting on her.
I think the lesson here is that life can be long but it can also be cut short. Life can be fun but there will be pain as well. That your family members will not always be around, and we should show our love for them every day.
Rest in Peace, Aunt Sis.
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