Cora Winifred Rakoz, 97, of Toledo, Washington, passed away peacefully in Longview, Washington on May 23, 2015, with family at her side. Cora was born on Dec. 13, 1917 in Snohomish, Washington to Irene and R.V. Johnston. She attended school in Toledo, Washington. Cora owned and managed the Toledo Shake Shop in the 1950s and after moving to Rochester, she worked as a waitress at Walt’s Restaurant in Centralia and The Little Red Barn in Rochester. She enjoyed raising and showing Shetland ponies with her husband, Ray, at the Rakoz Shetland Pony Farm in Rochester. Cora enjoyed card-making, sewing, gardening but most of all she loved spending time with her friends and family. She was a member of the Winlock Assembly of God Church, the Toledo Historical Society and the Rochester/Tenino Homemakers Club.
Cora is survived by her daughter, Verna (Troy) Church; son, Bob (Shirley) Rakoz; daughter-in-law, Jean Rakoz and Bobbie Hanna, who Ray and Cora considered one of their own. She had 11 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 23 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Rakoz; son, Wayne Holce; son, Jim Rakoz; grandson, Greg Rakoz; and two great- grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Fir Lawn Funeral Chapel in Toledo on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Viewing will be Friday, May 29, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A potluck celebration of Cora’s life will follow at the Toledo Senior Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cora’s name to Hospice Care Center, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632.
