Ronald Carl Rakestraw, a longtime resident of Henryetta, passed from this life on Thursday, February 16th, 2017 at his Henryetta home at the age of 73. Ronald was born on January 26, 1944 in Hayward, California to Garvin Rakestraw and Bonnie Blue Rakestraw.

At approximately 10 years old, Ronald moved with his family to Oklahoma where his father built and operated a laundry service in Schulter. He later built and operated Speed Queen Laundry in Henryetta where they have operated for over 50 years. Ronald was an excellent mechanic and he worked for Budweiser in Okmulgee as a deisel mechanic, where he has remained employed for the last 37 years. Ronald loved to work on cars, and especially loved working on muscle cars.

Ronald married the love of his life, Virginia Morris in Schulter, Oklahoma on April 21, 1961. They have remained happily married for 56 years.

Ronald is preceded in death by both his mother and father, Bonnie and Garvin Rakestraw.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Rakestraw of the home in Henryetta; by daughters, Delana Rakestraw of Enid, Rhonda Rakestraw of Henryetta, and Tayler Shae Rakestraw of Henryetta; by sons, Chad Rakestraw, Trevor Rakestraw, and Caulin Rakestraw, all of Henryetta; a special former daughter-in-law, Amy Garrett Rakestraw of Henryetta; grandchildren, Ryan Jones, Trenton Daniel Green and wife Wendy, Morgan Sherill, Rodney Sherill, and Marti Nottingham; sisters, Betty Raney and husband Jerry of Sapulpa and Joyce Boyster and husband Allen of Henryetta; cousin, Jerry McAfee and wife Carolyn of Henryetta; a sister-in-law, Carol Rakestraw of Tulsa; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tommy and Paula Morris of Henryetta; several nieces and nephews; other extended family and many good friends.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Integrity Funeral Service of Henryetta.