Marcella Rathert

Graveside services to celebrate the life of Marcella B. Rathert, 78, formerly of Junction City and Milford, will be held at Milford Cemetery on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at 2 p.m. with Rev. James E. Johnson officiating. Mrs. Rathert passed away December 1, 2006 at Stoneybrook Retirement Center in Manhattan, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 11 p.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at the Penwell-Gabel Mass-Hinitt Chapel, 805 Caroline Avenue, Junction City, Kansas. Memorial contributions May be made to America Cancer Society, Heartland Division, 100 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO 64105 and or Friends of Animals, PO Box 580, Junction City, KS 66441

Marcella was born November 18, 1928 in Junction City. She was the daughter of William and Tressa (Talley) Wells. Both parents died when Marcella was very young and she was raised by her maternal grandparents, Jacob M. and Ellen Talley. Jacob and Ellen also raised Marcella's two cousins, Dennis and Clayton Talley, and Marcella truly considered them her brothers. Dennis preceded Marcella in death but Clayton survives her. Marcella graduated from Junction City High School in 1946 and, throughout the years, reunions kept in her close contact with fellow graduates and provided many fond memories. Marcella married Charles H. Rathert on November 24, 1946. He preceded her in death on May 7, 1987. Marcella was a homemaker and she took great pride and joy in their daughter, Susan, their son-in-law, Mark, and their three grandchildren, Eric, Ella, and Evan. All survive her. Marcella was talented with needle crafts, enjoyed spelling bees and word puzzles, and deeply loved the many stray cats and dogs who she gave homes.

Pallbearers will be Andy Braly, Jim Braly, Rick Braly, Matt Casey, Eric Todd and Mark Todd