Helen Shirley Rackley

Helen Shirley Rackley, 86, of Henderson, KY made her transition Thursday, March 4, 2021 in Henderson. Helen was born November 24, 1934 in Plentywood, Montana, to the late Nina (Montgomery) and Clyde Potter. In 1942 she was adopted by the late Bessie (Potter) and Charles jones.  Helen graduated with honors from Cottey College in MO. After college she worked for 15 years as a keypunch operator at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, IA.  She took pride in the Collins tagline “providing the communication that sent the man to the moon!”  Helen was actively involved in several business ventures alongside her husband to include 3 appliance repair businesses, a karaoke business, and as an Amway distributor.  She also took the lead in her own business ventures as an Avon representative and as the owner/operator of The Book Rack for 17 years in Henderson, KY. Helen was a proud alumnus of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, the women’s service sorority that was responsible for her Cottey College scholarship.  During her 22 years as an active member, she held several offices to include the Kentucky State President from 1996-1997. Helen and her husband Neil enjoyed hosting international students in their home over a period of 9 years and appreciated learning about other cultures from the students and sharing with them about life in the United States.  She also enjoyed playing bridge with friends, watching U.K. basketball with her husband, and traveling to great places with her family. Helen considered herself presbyterian and later attended Unity of Evansville in Evansville, IN. In addition to her birth and adoptive parents, Helen was preceded in death by her older siblings and is survived by her youngest brother, Harry Potter of Mirage, Arizona.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Neil M. Rackley, Sr., and their oldest son, Neil M. Rackley, Jr.  Helen is survived by her son, Charles A. Rackley of Jasper, IN; daughter, Dr. Jane E. Rackley (spouse- Rev. Glenda Walden) of Fort Wayne, IN; 5 grandchildren, Joshua Rackley (Tabitha) of Colorado Springs, CO, Lindsey Rackley (Larry McDaniels) of Henderson, KY, Jimmy Rackley of Henderson, KY, Lindsy Wathen (Patrick) of Wadesville, IN and Chris Edens of Dyersburg, TN;  8 great grandchildren, Bryce, Awstin and Levi Rackley, McKenzie Rackley and Linnlee McDaniel, Evelyn, Bailey and Olivia Wathen,  several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 1:00-4:00p and prior to the service, Monday, March 8, 2021, from 9:00a-10:00a.  The celebration of life service will be Monday, March 8, 2021, 10:00a at Tomblinson Funeral Home Henderson Chapel, 324 First Street, Henderson, KY.  Officiated by Rev. Glenda Walden and Chaplain Tim Shockley. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to the Helen Rackley Scholarship Fund for Cottey College in Nevada, MO.  Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.