LEAH RAKES

Leah Sue Rakes was born on November 2, 1948, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, to Lila Zimmerman and Leonard Smalley. Her strong work ethic was instilled at a young age as she de-tasseled corn in the Iowa bottoms and continued work at a turkey factory. She graduated from Nebraska City High School in 1967 and that same fall, on September 22, married the love of her life, Larry Rakes, in her hometown. Together they built a life centered around family, love, and hard work.

Leah and Larry welcomed their daughter, Ginger, on March 27, 1970. After spending time traveling with the railroad, they eventually made their home in McCook, Nebraska, where they were later blessed with their son, Lance, on May 12, 1977. Leah took great pride in being a stay-at-home mom while her children were young, creating a home filled with care, comfort, and support. She later worked at several places in the community, including Hinky Dinky grocery store, the junior high cafeteria, and Sun Tanners Hair Salon.

Leah enjoyed a full and active life. She loved bowling, fishing, turkey and pheasant hunting, and camping. She never missed a chance to run the card table at any and all family functions. She and Larry especially enjoyed spending time together chasing stock car races. Leah also had a true gift for gardening and found joy in canning the many things she grew. She loved cooking, whether it was preparing big holiday meals or simply making sure everyone was fed day to day. The kitchen was one of the many places she showed her love, and no one ever left her home hungry.

More than anything, Leah loved being a mom and grandma. Her family was truly her world. She rarely missed a chance to be there for her grandchildren, especially when it came to their activities and sports. Whether it was sitting in the stands, cheering from the sidelines, or talking about the game afterward, she was always proud and fully present. Those moments meant everything to her, and her support and love will be something her family carries with them forever.

Leah passed away with her family at her side on Friday, April 10, 2026, at CountryHouse in Kearney. She was 77 years of age.

Leah was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Rakes; her mother, Lila Shaffer; her father, Leonard Smalley; her brother, Lawrance Smalley; her brother-in-law, Lynn Rakes; and her son-in-law, Allan Mitchell.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Ginger Mitchell of Gering, Neb.; her son, Lance (Mandi) Rakes of McCook, Neb.; her brother, Lyle (Peg) Smalley of McCook, Neb.; her brother-in-law, Lonnie (Romana) Rakes of Nebraska City, Neb.; her sister-in-law, Denise Rakes of Cambridge, Neb.; her grandchildren: Kerissa (Zac) Bibb, Santanna (Austin) Ferguson, Arianna Mitchell, Konor Rakes, and Kooper Rakes; her great-grandchildren: Harper, Hudson, and Hux Bibb, Adalynn Mitchell, and Jhase Ferguson, along with many extended family members and friends.

Leah will be remembered most for her love of family, her strong work ethic, and the warmth she brought to those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the many lives she touched.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, April 15, 2026, at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Leah’s family will be present to greet friends and family during this time

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, April 16, 2026, at the Willow Christian Church in Indianola with Pastor Heath Kelley officiating. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery of McCook will follow services. In keeping with Leah’s simple and down-to-earth nature, the family encourages those attending her service to dress casually and comfortably.

Memorials are suggested to the family of Leah Rakes for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.