Betty Ann Rathmell

Bossier City, LA

Betty Wells Rathmell, 76, passed away Friday, August 16, 2013, after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Fellowship United Methodist Church, with Reverend Tom Dungan presiding. Interment will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park.

Betty was born February 22, 1937 in Washington, D.C., to Moden and Erna Wells, who preceded her in death.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of nearly fifty years, Jim, her daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Jody Kaiser, and grandchildren, Shane, Allie, and Peyton, all of Bossier City, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles and Verna Rathmell, of Abilene, Texas.

Betty led a fulfilling life. After graduating from Suitland High School in Maryland, she went to work for the FBI for nine years. During her time there she was an active member of their tennis team, winning tournaments and trophies and some were even personally presented to her by J. Edgar Hoover. When she transferred to the DIA in the Pentagon, she met her husband Jim. After marrying in 1964, they were stationed in Spain and worked for the USAF. This was an amazing time for Betty and Jim, who loved travel and got to visit places in Spain and Western Europe. When they returned to Washington D.C. in 1969, Betty went to work at the White House. When Betty gave birth to her daughter, Julie, she chose to stay home and focus on being a mom. The family went on their last overseas assignment to the American Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. In 1977, the family was stationed at BAFB and made their home in Bossier City. Betty was active as a school mom and in directing the children’s music programs at church. She loved playing the piano, and in recent years enjoyed playing for nursing homes and at Glenview Gardens Sunday worship service.

Above all else, Betty was a faithful Christian, who loved the Lord and served others. She was a faithful wife, loving mother, and a dedicated grandmother to her three grandchildren, Shane, Allie and Peyton. She kept her grandbabies during the day until they began school, and she cherished every moment with them. They were the greatest joy in her life, and she made sure her home was a warm, happy place for them….and indulged in playing with their toys almost as much as they did.

The family would like to thank Colonial Oaks Nursing Home for their love and support during these last weeks. A special thanks to Dr. Riley, who provided continuous support to Betty and ensured her care and comfort.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fellowship United Methodist church, Glenview Gardens Church or St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.

You may share your memories with the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.