It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Racene, loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend to all whose lives she touched, on February 17, 2021 due to cardiac arrest.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Bolin; parents, H. Ray Johnson and Opal Spencer Burke; son-in-law, David Pate; and granddaughter, Andrea Pate.
She is survived by her children, Renna Pate, John Hankins, Rhonda Wilson, Ron (Delinda) Freeman, Rachelle Abel, and three stepchildren; 20 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; siblings, Janie Crouse and Jamie (Barbara) Johnson.
Racene was born on December 20, 1941 in Carthage, Mo.
She was a 1959 graduate of Fort Osage High School in Independence, Mo.
Being an avid reader and having a love of books, she started working for Mid-Continent Public Library in 1984. She worked there for 20 years, retiring in 2004 to start her quilting business. She used her longarm machine “Bertha” to create beautiful keepsakes for her customers. She had a passion for all things quilting; making hundreds, possibly thousands, of quilts during the last 40 years of her life. She belonged to many quilting guilds and groups including Calico Quilters, The Strippers, Lee’s Summit Quilt Guild and the Outlaw Quilters. She was also highly skilled with knitting needles and crochet hooks, belonging to groups that made prayer shawls for those in need. In the early years of her retirement she spent time at Liberty Hospital sewing comfort pillows and rocking infants in need, being the highlight of her volunteer experience.
She was a breast cancer survivor.
Racene was a devoted and active member of the First United Methodist Church for 40 years. Every morning she would sit down to eat her toast, drink hot tea and read her Bible.
Services will be held February 22 and 23, 2021.
Donations in memory of Racene can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
So sad to hear of Racene’s passing. I only knew her for the last few years, but she made a lasting impression on me and I am better for having her as a quilting friend. She was one of the most talented quilters I know and such a generous person!! She was always present to fulfill the needs of outreach for the Lee’s Summit Quilt Guild. She will be missed by many, but now she is in glory! Praise the Lord.
Sincerely, Debbie Smith – Lee’s Summit
Ron and Family, I am so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was so special, felt so loved by her throughout my life. She made my Granddaughter a quilt and it will be cherished forever:). I’m sorry I will not make the visitation, I have come down with a cold. May your memories comfort you .
Love, Valerie