Emma Belle Rackley was born February 27, 1930 in Parkland to Marion and Orba (Byers) Hale. She passed away January 17, 2023 in Midwest City at the age of 92. She is one of 5 generations of Emma’s all named by their fathers.
Emma grew up in Parkland as the oldest of 5 children. Her mother passed away when she was 9 years old, so she helped raise her siblings. She attended school in Parkland and was valedictorian of her 8th grade class. She later graduated from Chandler High School with an all-adult class of 1965 where she again was valedictorian. Emma earned her master’s degree in Hotel and Motel Management followed by a long career managing hotels. She was a member of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn in Choctaw, having been baptized in 2011.
She enjoyed attending her sibling’s softball games and wrestling matches. One of her blessings in life was being a great-grandmother (G.G.). She spent countless hours teaching them names of birds and flowers. She and her husband fostered children and helped raise 6 of her nephews. She enjoyed traveling following her retirement.
Emma was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Orba Hale; husband of 61 years, Hermon Rackley; brothers, Marion Hale, Charlie Hale, Asa Hale; and her grandson, Michael Mullendore. Survivors include her daughter, Gerri and her husband Rick Mullendore of Choctaw; (3) grandchildren, Tony Mullendore, Vicky and her husband Matt Patterson, Samantha Powell; (2) great-grandchildren, Macasey and Addisyn; sister, Mary Silkwood of Cushing; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; along with her favorite grand-dog Daisey.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Lehman Funeral Home with interment following in the Parkland Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.
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