Kay Rakes
Kay Rountree Rakes, 83, of Pearisburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at her home of the past four years at Commonwealth Senior Living in Christiansburg.
Born April 17, 1942, in Suffolk, Virginia, Kay was the daughter of Willie and Katherleene Rountree. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 56 years, Kenneth Lee Rakes; and an infant daughter.
She was raised in Whaleyville, VA, and graduated from Whaleyville High School. Following her graduation from Radford College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education, Kay moved to Narrows, Virginia, where she began a long and dedicated career in education. She taught Physical Education and Health at Giles High School and later at Peterstown High School, where she concluded her teaching career in 1986. A passionate and accomplished coach, Kay led girls’ varsity basketball and softball teams to several state tournaments. Even after retirement, she continued to inspire students as the girls’ tennis coach at Giles High School. Throughout her years of teaching and coaching, she formed lasting bonds with her players and their families, many of whom became like family to her.
Kay was an avid golfer who found great joy in both local competitions and traveling with friends. For over 25 years, she cherished time spent in the Pinehurst, North Carolina area at her condo in Foxfire Golf Resort, where she enjoyed many rounds of golf with her husband and dear friends. Above all, Kay treasured time with her children and grandchildren, faithfully supporting them in all of their activities. She was also a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Narrows.
She is survived by her daughters, Pam R. Monk of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, and Amy R. Burdette (Dennis) of Pembroke, Virginia; grandchildren, Braxton Gilmer (Lola), Austin Monk, and Madyson Gilmer; step-grandchildren, Austin Burdette, and Brooklynn Mustain (John); and five step-great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Emersynn, and Mabry Mustain, and Liam and Nolan Burdette. She is also survived by her sister, Jane Bleiler (Wayne); her brother, Hunter Rountree; brothers-in-law, Bill Rakes (Carolyn) and Jim Rakes (Janet); and several nieces and nephews, Paula Pulley, Adam Rountree, Todd Rakes, Mark Rakes, David Rakes and Margaret Rakes. Kay also held a special place in her heart for her dear friend, Lisa Burdette Dawson, as well as her many friends at Commonwealth Senior Living in Christiansburg.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday April 7, 2026, at the First United Methodist in Narrows from 12 – 1pm, with funeral services to follow at 1pm at the Church with John Mustain and Jacob McKlarney officiating. The burial will follow at Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blacksburg Church, 125 N Main St., Ste. 500-188, Blacksburg, VA 24060, or the First United Methodist Church, 398 Main St., Narrows, VA 24124.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Commonwealth Senior Living in Christiansburg for their love, care, and support, and for becoming a second family to Kay. Special thanks are also extended to Janie and the Medi Hospice staff, and to Mary Ann, Gwen, Emily, Frances, and Annamarie from Senior Home Care for their compassionate care.
The family is being served by Givens-Riffe Funeral Service in Narrows (540-726-2442). Online condolences may be shared at riffefuneralservice.com.
