Brenda Hollenbaugh Rakes

Brenda Hollenbaugh Rakes, age 58, of Elkton, Maryland went home to be with the Lord, Our Savior, on Saturday, February 14th, 2009, Valentine's Day. Born on June 16th, 1950 as Brenda Lorraine Gatchell she was the daughter of the late Frances "Joe" Baker Gatchell and Lois Lorraine Gatchell. Brenda was a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, grandmother and friend. Brenda was a bookkeeper for The Board of Cecil County Public School Systems for twenty years before her retirement in 2005. Brenda was extremely talented with a voice of an angel she had performed professionally and publicly for most of her life, an avid gardener she planted what some referred to "her own Longwood Gardens in her own backyard", she loved to cook, plan special events & parties, interior design, was very spiritual, enjoyed trips to Florida and the beach, loved antique shopping, history, Christmas was very special to her, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and family at home surrounded by the beauty she created amongst her gardens. "Time is Precious" was one of her famous last quotes, "spend it with the ones you love." She had the gift to uplift everyone's spirits that knew her through her smile, her warm brown eyes, her infectious laugh, a good story, through song, and her compassion for helping others. Her success story is raising two families and making them one; where love and respect live hand in hand. She will forever be our angel and will be sorely missed. She is survived by her devoted husband James W.Rakes, her daughter Renee' Dawn Hollenbaugh, her son Brandon Charles Hollenbaugh, Sr., her daughter Renee' Lynn Rakes, her daughter Suzanne Elizabeth Rakes, and her daughter-in-law Nicole Yetive Brown Hollenbaugh. Her brilliant grandchildren Brandon Charles Hollenbaugh, Jr. and Justin Carl Hollenbaugh. Her loving mother Lois Lorraine Gatchell. Her beautiful sisters Nancy Carol Justice, Linda Darlene Wiles & Victoria Marie Gibson. Her faithful nieces & nephews Danielle Carol Ward, Jeffery Todd Justice, Kelley Ryn Justice, Rachel Victoria Gatchell, Tyson Keith Gibson, Brian Scott Gibson & Allison Carol Thompson. Her brother-in-law Harold Wiles. She is also survived by several grand-nephews & grand-nieces. Her legacy will certainly continue. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday February 18th, 2009 at Crouch Funeral Home located at 127 S. Main Street North East, Maryland 21901. A public viewing will be held at 10 a.m.prior to the services. Anyone that loved Brenda is invited to attend either ceremony. Rev. Daniel Gedman will officiate. Interment will follow at North East Methodist Cemetery followed by visitation at 12:30 PM at North East Fire Hall. Flowers will be accepted she loved, white, cream and pink of different varieties. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Leukemia Lymphoma Society Donor Services in Brenda's honor at P.O. Box 4072 Pittsfield, MA 01202.