Virginia Ruth Rackley, 87, of Onarga passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at the Gilman Healthcare Center.

Virginia was born December 4, 1925 in Mattoon, the daughter of Glen and Olive Ruth Coen Waggoner. She married Clarence D. Rackley on December 4, 1947 in Arkansas and he preceded her in death on June 5, 2005.

Surviving are two daughters, Carol (Larry) Fortier of Elgin and Doris M. (Mick) Hubner of Onarga; four sisters, Rhita Brniak, Irma Allen and Vera Barber all of Park Forest and Doris Wenzel of Mahomet; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and two step-great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; five sisters; and two grandchildren.

Mrs. Rackley was a fifty year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed quilting, working puzzles, playing games and spending time with her family. Mrs. Rackley had co-authored a book about her childhood entitled "Ten Sisters-A True Story". As a young child, Mrs. Rackley and her nine younger sisters were split up by misfortune and all sent to live in different homes, her book told the real life story of the ten sisters. Later a childrens book was also written about their story. PBS was so impressed with the story that they produced a whole episode about the sisters for the Prairie Fire series in 2003.

Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga. Rev. Jim Small will officiate.

Burial will be in the Onarga Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga and 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Memorials may be made to the Gilman Activity Fund.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.