Rakes, Diane Roberts

Diane Louise (Roberts) Rakes, 72, of Christiansburg, VA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 14, 2024 with members of her family at her side. Born in 1952 in Christiansburg, Diane was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, whose unwavering faith and deep love for her family shaped her life.

A proud graduate of Christiansburg High School (Class of 1971), Diane’s career spanned many years of hard work and dedication. She began her professional journey as a store manager at 7-Eleven in the 1970s. In the 1980s and 90s, she worked at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Starting in the kitchen, she quickly advanced to dispatcher and then to jailor. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Diane enjoyed working at Applebee’s in Christiansburg, where she formed lasting friendships with both colleagues and customers.

A faithful Christian, Diane was a woman after God’s heart, having been a member of Riverview Holiness Church and Belview Methodist Church. She lived her faith daily, offering love, guidance, and support to all those around her, especially her beloved family. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the greatest joys of her life.

Throughout her years, Diane pursued many hobbies, including riding her motorcycle, ceramics, canvas painting, jewelry making, gardening, softball, watching NASCAR, cheering on the Hokies, and cooking Sunday dinner for her family. She enjoyed life to the fullest and shared her creativity and adventure with all who knew her.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, James and Nelly Roberts; brothers, Jerry Roberts, Danny Roberts and Timothy Roberts; sister-in-law, Tammy Roberts; and nieces, Melissa Alls and Tracie Wilson. She leaves behind her daughter, Angie Jewell and Mark Light; son, Charlie and Julie Jewell; sisters, Donah and Larry Sutherland, Norma and Michael Bamber; brothers, Larry and Hope Roberts; sister in laws, Cheryl White, and Janet Roberts; grandchildren, Micheal Pearce, William Pearce, and Claire Jewell; great grandchildren, Nova Pearce, and Alexander Pearce; nieces and nephews, Kurt, Cory, Travis, Jimmy, Christy, Ashley, Carrie, Amanda, Danielle, Tabatha, and Page; and many beloved great nieces and great nephews.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Aaron Keller and Nicole Thompson of LewisGale Hospital Montgomery, as well as her close friends Julie, Mike, Barbara, and Mikee Wood, for their unwavering support.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Diane’s life at a visitation on Thursday, November 21, from 1-2 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Horne Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Pastor Jeff Noble. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Christiansburg.

Diane’s legacy of faith, love, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a constant source of strength and light, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Diane’s memory to the Agape Center of the New River Valley. The Agape Center aligns with her spirit of compassion and love for others in need. Donations can be made online at agapecenternrv.org.