Mary Josephine Rackley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Josephine Rackley at age 90 in Temple, Texas. She will be laid to rest with her beloved husband at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas on November 12, 2026, in a private graveside service.

Born in Pikeville, Kentucky, Mary grew up in Rockford, Illinois where she met the love of her life, Robert Rackley. They were married for almost 60 years and built a family that was her pride and joy. Mary served as a nurse for over 25 years at Rockford Memorial Hospital before moving to Texas to be closer to family. She loved music - especially Elvis and country. Music could always be heard throughout the house with her singing and dancing in the kitchen. She enjoyed playing the piano, drawing, and was an avid reader of nonfiction. As a Fox News super fan, she loved to talk politics. Mary was strong-willed and would never give up, enduring many hardships in life while always sustaining her love of God, family, and her country.

Mary will be deeply missed by her children: Bobby (Kim) Rackley, Melodie (John) Wenstrom, Kevin “Scotty” (Valerie) Rackley, and Colleen (Dave Cuda) Rackley-Cuda. She was especially loved by her grandchildren: Robert (Nicole) Rackley, Andrew Rackley, Tim (Brianna) Rackley, Jenifer (Mark) Williams, Jonathan (Toni) Wenstrom, Scott Rackley, Brian (Ashley) Rackley, Zachary Cuda, Ryan Cuda, and Grace Cuda, along with 11 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Rackley, her parents William and Ada Meisel, and her beloved sister Ada Boyer.