OWLS HEAD – Vada M. Rackliff, 99-1/2, left planet earth on Jan. 24, 2017, straight into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ and her new home, Heaven. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones at Windward Gardens in Camden.

Born in Jonesport on July 2, 1917, she was one of nine children of Frank W. and Edna Beal Alley. She spent much of her childhood on Whitehead Island, where her father was a lighthouse keeper. She attended local schools.

Her first marriage was to Herman Hoffses in Rockland. On Dec. 1, 1945, she married Harry M. Bowness. They made their home together at Owls Head, until Harry's untimely passing on Aug. 17, 1987. On Oct. 12, 1991, Vada again found love in her marriage to Frank R. “Rip” Rackliff. They enjoyed 15 years together, until Rip's passing on April 23, 2006.

Vada loved her home overlooking Penobscot Bay, being involved in and with her family and playing skip-bo.

From the age of 19, Vada lived her life as a born-again believer. She loved her Lord with all her heart, prayed daily for her family and friends and studied his word faithfully. It was her greatest wish that everyone would come to know her Jesus.

In addition to her parents and her husbands, Vada was predeceased by five siblings, Vincent Alley, Virl M. Alley, John Alley, Agatha Flood and Alice Rackliff. She is survived by a son, Neil E. Hoffses of New Port Richey, Fla.; her daughter, Donna Bowness – Belyea and her husband, Stephen, of Owls Head; a brother, Stephen Alley and his wife, Lois Stackpole-Alley, of Rockport; two sisters, Evelyn Lucas of Rockland, and Thelma Fuller and her husband, Nathan, of Spruce Head; four grandchildren, Margo B. Mindykowski and her husband, Stephen, Darren Hoffses, Jeffery Hoffses, and Dawn Elliott and her husband, Daniel Jr.; four great-grandchildren, Audrey and Gavin Elliott, and Jason and Alexander Hoffses; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Friday, Feb. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. Interment in Ocean View Cemetery, South Thomaston will be at a later date.

Those who wish, may make memorial donations to The Salvation Army, 27 Payne Avenue, Rockland, ME 04841, or to CareNet Pregnancy Center, 462 Old County Road, Rockland, ME 04841.