Bernice Frances (DeMar) Rakes

Bernice Frances (DeMar) Rakes

Always Willing to Help Others -

Bernice “Bebo” Frances (DeMar) Rakes, age 96, of Dillsburg, and formerly of Perryville, MD, passed away at home and surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, October 28, 2021.  Bernice was born on Monday, June 22, 1925, in Port Deposit, MD to the late Carmen Frank DeMar and Viola Louise (Smith) DeMar.  In addition to her parents, Bernice is preceded in death by her son, John H. Rakes, Jr.; her grandson, John “Little Johnny” H. Rakes, III; her granddaughter, Christina Rakes; and her three siblings, Frank “Buddy” W. DeMar, John “Jiggs” J. DeMar, and Rita Hess.

Bebo’s survivors include her two sons: Frank Joseph Rakes and domestic partner, Gay Bowman, of Mt. Holly Springs; Richard Lewis Hoak and wife, Carolyn Chernoff, of Philadelphia; her 11 grandchildren: Cindy, Daniel, Daphne, Fitch, Karen, Kimberly, Linda, Raven, Robert, Shannon, and Tonya; her four great-grandchildren; her four great-great grandchildren; and her soon to be born great-great-great grandchild; her two sisters: Bonita DeMar of Milford, DE, Marietta “Susie” Henrikson of Clayton, DE; her very best friend, Gertrude Saunders of Steelton; and many nieces and nephews.

Bebo retired from the Navy Publications and Printing Services Office in Mechanicsburg, after many years of service.  During her retirement, Bebo was employed at several fast food restaurants, including McDonalds in Dillsburg, where she was dearly loved. Bebo was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mechanicsburg.  She was a member of Fox-Eichelberger VFW Post 7415 Ladies Auxiliary in New Cumberland.  Bebo was a life member of the American Legion Susquehanna Post 135 Auxiliary in Perryville, MD since 1937, which makes her the most senior and longest serving member. Her family remembers her as a hard worker; and as someone who was always available to care for people.

All are welcome to join Bebo’s family at her Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, November 4, 2021 beginning at 11:00 a.m. all at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 410 E Simpson St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055;  with Reverend Thomas Rozman celebrating.  Burial will follow the Mass in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Gettysburg.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to Bebo’s nieces, Toni Hess and Bonnie “LuLu” Beaulieu for their care for Bebo.

Contributions in celebration of Bebo’s life can be made to New Hope Ministries, Dillsburg Center, 6 North Second Street, Dillsburg, PA 17019, www.nhm-pa.org.

Bebo’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Bebo’s full obituary, view her photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.