Anita Kathleen (Smith) Rakestraw

March 28, 1947 - February 19, 2023

Anita Kathleen Smith was born March 28, 1947 to Dennis L. and Helen F. (Tansey) Smith at Dodge City Hospital, Dodge City, Kansas. She joined big sister Caryl at home in Greensburg, Kansas. Anita was baptized upon her confession of faith while in high school at Inman Mennonite Church in Inman, Kansas. She attended Inman Elementary School and graduated from Inman Rural High School in 1965. Following this she attended Emporia State Teachers' College in Emporia, Kansas, where she earned a degree in psychology and a Masters' Degree in clinical psychology. She worked as a school counselor in several schools before working as a clinical psychologist at Family Services and Guidance Center in Topeka.

Anita and Dub Rakestraw were married on May 22, 1987. They were married for 35 years. Anita and Dub shared a great love for animals. When Anita and Dub retired, they moved to a country home outside El Dorado where they enjoyed their horses, cats, dogs, and birds. Besides spending time with her animals, Anita loved reading and photography.

Anita's parents and her husband, Dub, preceded her in death. Those left to cherish memories are her sister Caryl and husband Bob Tieszen of Moundridge, Kansas, her niece Michelle Tieszen of Moundridge, her nephew Jonathan Tieszen and wife Julie and their children Anna and Claire of Harrisonburg, Virginia, her stepsons Shon Rakestraw of El Dorado and Chris Rakestraw and wife Janna of Mulberry, Kansas; step-granddaughter Danielle Mulky of Lamar, Missouri and step-grandson Shon Rakestraw II of Topeka, step-granddaughter Krystina Rakestraw-Soares of Topeka, step-great-grandchildren Quinn and Emma, step sisters Linda Riner and Polly Brotzman.