Kathleen "Kathy" J. Rakers, 73, of New Baden, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O'Fallon. She was born on October 25, 1952, in Breese, the daughter of Frank and Agnes, nee Diesen, Bitter. She married the love of her life, Donald Rakers, on November 20, 1971 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese and he survives in New Baden.

Kathy devoted 38 years to in-home child care, a career marked by compassion and dedication that touched the lives of many families in her community. She was a member of St. George Parish in New Baden, where she found spiritual comfort and fellowship. Her warm heart extended beyond her vocation; she loved and adored her grandchildren, who truly were her world. She found joy in decorating her home for all the holidays, especially Christmas, creating a festive and welcoming space filled with warmth. Kathy also treasured time spent with her beloved dog, Sammi, and enjoyed the simple pleasure of going to yard sales with her sister-in-law or taking long car rides with Don.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children: Tracy (Terry) Calvert, Michelle (Christopher) Duke, Jeff (Emily Gerstner) Rakers, and Kristen (Dusty) LePere. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren: Kyle (Kelsey), Trent, Claudia (Brandon), Troy, Tori (Jake), Christian, Brexton, Raelyn, Jett, and Brooks, her great-grandchildren Jaxon, Avory, and Levi; her brother Ben (Sue) Bitter and her sister Sandra (Jamie) Brown and many nieces and nephews. She was also loved by many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Mark Rakers, Dave & Jackie Rakers, Steve & Sandy Rakers, Patty & Doug Cowart, Teresa & Mike Haar, Keith & Ruth Rakers, Tim Rakers, Mike & Peggy Rakers, Darrin & Gina Rakers, and Lisa & Mike Middleton. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Agnes Bitter; parents-in-law Cletus "Butch" and Margie Rakers; brother Don Bitter; brother Buddy Bitter; sister JoAnn Higgins; sister Janet Bitter; sister Mary Schleper and sister-in-law, Sue Rakers.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and again on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life will take place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Rev. George Zieba officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden.

Memorials made in memory of Kathy may be made to the charity of the donor's choice and will be received at the funeral home.