Lois G. Rathmell

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Lois G. Rathmell, 86, of 162 Pennsylvania Ave., South Renovo, went home to be with the Lord Friday, Oct. 3, 2008 at the Gatehouse Hospice, Williamsport, after battling with cancer.

Born Oct. 7, 1921 in Renovo, she was a daughter of the late Dr. Raymond A. and Edith Bierly Werts.

On Nov. 25, 1943, she married Raymond H. Rathmell, who survives at home. They would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this year.

She was a 1939 graduate of Renovo High School and graduated Cum Laude from Lock Haven State College in 1943.

She taught kindergarten for a year near Yardley and also was a substitute teacher in art and home economics at Renovo High School.

A talented writer of poetry and a skilled musician, she was well known through the area. She played the piano, organ and accordian for many organizations and functions. Her poetry graced the back cover of the Flaming Foliage Festival booklet.

In her earlier years, she was an expert at hand tinting black and white photographs and was also quite an adept painter. She really enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and spending time at the family's summer residence near Hammersley Fork. She loved to have large family gatherings with excellent home-cooked meals.

Lois was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Renovo, and was active in various groups and organizations, including Eastern Star, Elks Auxiliary, Women's Club, Rotary, Renovo Art Club and her bridge club.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Raymond A. (Darlene) Rathmell of Lock Haven; a daughter, Wendy (Dennis) Corey of Williamsport; a son-in-law, Richard (Pat) Johnson of Williamsport; seven grandchildren, Craig (Mashel) Rathmell, Kathy (Brent) Townsend, Jason, Aaron, Emily and Alyson Corey and Jamie (Matthew) Turner; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kay Johnson, in 1987; a sister, Ruth Werts; a brother, Bud Werts; and a granddaughter, Karen Johnson, in 1987.

Memorial services will be Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Renovo, with the Rev. Dee Calhoun, her pastor, officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service in the church. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Farwell.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gatehouse Hospice, Zion Lutheran Church or the Renovo Area Library.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dean K. Wetzler Jr. Funeral Home, 320 Main St., Mill Hall, PA 17751.