Dear Tom and family, We are so sorry for your loss. We remember your family when you lived next to Joan in Des Plaines. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you. Sincerely, Marge and Dan Mehle

Melinda and family so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

I got to know Betty & Tommy through the dental office where I work. Betty always filled me in on her little family. Especially the grandchildren. I got to "see" them grow up through her pictures & stories. How precious the way she loved you guys. This summer I was attending a wedding (a friend's daughter) and image my surprise to see Tommy & Betty being escorted in as the grandparents of the groom. I had met Melinda, Whitney & Jordon prior to the wedding, but didn't make the connection until then. Betty & I shared briefly at the reception, and again her love for her family was very evident. She was so proud of you all. I wanted to extend my sincere sympathy to you, her "little family". You will be in our thoughts & prayers. Lynn Walker Thacker Riverside Dental

I am so proud and honored to have such a beautiful, loving and incredible woman enter my life. Not to mention, to be able to call her my Godmother. The memories I have of Betty Rager are beyond priceless. I remember when I was 15 yrs. old and decided to fly by myself for the first time in my life to visit Tommy and Betty in Kentucky. I was so scared to fly by myself, but all I could think about was being able to see Tommy, Betty and Melinda. I was so excited to be able to be with them. I even had a stop and had to get on another plane to make it to Bremen. I almost missed that flight trying to find the terminal. I remember getting off the plane just frazzled from the experience and told Betty and Tommy what I had been through and the first thing Betty said was " You got through it just fine, didn't you." And I thought yes I did get through it. I felt so empowered by just those few words. That's how she made you feel. Anything is possible, no matter the obstacle. The love I have for you is endless. All my love, Cindy McBride

I remember the day exactly, when my family and I met the Ragers. We had a wonderful friendship with Tommy, Betty, Tammy & Melinda while growing up living next door in Des Plaines, IL. I am grateful for those childhood memories. Betty had this amazing strength and wisdom. She was a rock. She loved her family and took care of them. She was a great cook. She was a wonderful friend to my mother and my father. She was a great mom. I have to admit though that there were some days as a kid that I wouldn’t have wanted to be Tammy or Melinda. Specifically, when us kids got into trouble. Betty would address the situation head on. She didn’t mess around so as a kid, I tried to behave if I knew Betty was anywhere nearby. She was an awesome mom. It was a very sad day for me when the Ragers moved to Kentucky. My memories are wonderful though of our time together growing up. Thank you for the memories Betty. Rest in peace. How beautiful that you & Tammy are together again. I love you both. Tommy, Melinda and family – I want to tell you how sorry I am. I know that you are surrounded by family and many friends who love you. I’m sorry that my family and I aren’t there physically. I know that we are all there in spirit though as I’ve always felt we’ve been throughout the many years since childhood. You’ll always be our good friends. Love, Karen (Mertz) Yeager

Tom, Melinda & Family, You are in our thoughts & prayers. So sorry we can't be with you at this time. Sharon & Melissa

Melinda, You and your family are in our prayers ! Love ya

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.