Barbara A Rakosik

Barbara Ann Rakosik, 91, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Toledo, Ohio, on August 21, 1934, to Joseph and Rose Podbielniak. Barbara married Donald J. Rakosik on October 15, 1955, and they shared 53 years together until his passing on October 29, 2008. Don and Barbara resided in Elyria, Ohio. Though our hearts are saddened by her passing, we are grateful for a life so beautifully lived and for the countless memories she leaves behind.

Barbara believed that hard work, kindness, and family are life's greatest blessings. She enjoyed a long career at Elyria Memorial Hospital, where she retired as Central Supply Manager. Retirement was only a brief pause before she returned to work at Jeanie’s Party Cakes, where she found joy in serving others and made many lifelong friends.

Home was where Barbara's heart truly belonged. For more than 70 years, she lovingly baked cakes and pastries for family and friends. Her kitchen became the heart of countless celebrations as she created birthday cakes, all-occasion cakes, cupcakes, candy, and beautiful wedding cakes for those she loved. Barbara's remarkable baking journey began with her own wedding cake and came full circle 70 years later when, at the age of 90, she baked her last wedding cake—the top tier for her grandson's wedding. She enjoyed cooking, creating flower arrangements, tending her garden, collecting hummingbird décor, and finding joy in life's simple pleasures.

Barbara loved Hallmark movies, Dancing with the Stars, her favorite movie classic, Gone with the Wind, polka dancing, a friendly game of rummy, and evenings spent enjoying ice cream with her beloved husband, Don, while watching Lake Erie sunsets.

Known lovingly as Busia, Barbara treasured every moment with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether taking them out to eat, cheering at sporting events, recitals, and school plays, or celebrating every accomplishment, she made each one feel deeply loved. Her warm smile lit every room, and she truly never met a stranger.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Darlene (Tim) Powell, Sharon Knoll, and Tina (George) Croftcheck; her grandchildren, William Powell, Amy (Terrence)Davis, Adam Knoll, Sarah (Todd) Knoll, David (Julie) Knoll, Kevin (Lauren) Knoll, Andrew Croftcheck, and Brian Powell; her great-grandchildren, Donovan, Avery, Devin, Derrek, Addison, Allexa, Kami, Autumn, Bryson, Makenna, and Emory; her brother, David (Judy) Podbielniak; her sister, Roberta Mays; sisters-in-law, Barbara Podbielniak, and Tina Podbielniak; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don; her grandson, Ian Powell; as well as with her brothers, Joe (the late Margie) Podbielniak, Ronnie (Tina) Podbielniak, and Jim (Barb) Podbielniak, and her sisters, Dolores (the late John) Ledwon and Pat (the late John) Kos.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans of America or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Friends may call at Reichlin Roberts Bollinger Funeral Home, 327 Cleveland Street, Elyria, Ohio on Saturday, September 5th, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

There will be private burial for the family at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio at a later date.

Barbara's legacy is found not only in the years she lived, but in the love she shared, the traditions she created, and the family she cherished. Every hummingbird that visits a garden, every homemade dessert shared around a family table, every polka melody, and every Lake Erie sunset will gently remind those who loved her of a remarkable woman whose love will continue to live on through the family she cherished so deeply.

Forever Loved • Forever Remembered