Barbara Ellen Rathke passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021 in Kingsland, Texas at the age of 83. She was born on November 29, 1937 in Galveston, Texas to James and Angeline Coonrod. She grew up in Houston, and although an only child, was raised with family living on the same street. Her cousins were like siblings to her, especially Joann, Josephine and Vincent (Bubba), whom she remained very close to her whole life.
After graduating from Lamar High School in 1956, Barbara moved to
Fredericksburg, Texas, where she later met and married Calvin Rathke in 1969.
They were married 52 years and were members of Couples Bowling Leagues, The
German Club and many other organizations that they danced with. Barbara also
volunteered for the Animal Welfare Society. They spent the majority of their
marriage in Kerrville and, together, raised four children - Michael, David,
Jamy and Christine. Employed by the VA hospital from 1969 to 1996, Barbara then
worked for Starlite Recovery Center a short time before retiring. She and
Calvin purchased a waterfront lot at Lake Buchanan in 1982, where they built
and eventually relocated to, full-time, in 2002. Since then, they've enjoyed
gardening, bird watching, entertaining family/friends and fishing right off the
wall in front of their beautiful home.
She is survived by her husband, all her children, five grandchildren (Jennifer,
Jeanette, Joann, Calan and Kate), plus 8 great grandchildren. Cooking was her
passion and she loved sharing recipes with family and friends - including her
famous lemon meringue pie! She often reminisced about childhood memories,
passing down stories to her children and grandchildren. The last years of her
life were spent with those she loved most and she will be dearly missed, while
resting in peace.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at
Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Chapel in Llano from 10:00A.M. to 12:00P.M.
A graveside service will follow at 2:00P.M. at Bluffton Cemetery with Richard
Vandeventer officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send a live plant that can
be planted outside, cared for and enjoyed for years to Calvin Rathke at 115
Brazos, Bluffton, TX 78609.
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