D. Margaret “Peg” Rathke

D. Margaret “Peg” Rathke, 95, of Clinton, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011.  She was born May 31, 1915, in Bridgewater Township, Mich., the daughter of Clifford and Gertrude (Anglemyre) Brown.  In the mid 1930s, she married Leon D. Schwartz and he preceded her in death in 1962.  She then met and married Ellsworth “Red” Rathke in April of 1965.  Sadly, he also preceded her in death Jan. 4, 2003.

“Peg” graduated from Michigan Normal College and received her M.Ed and Specialist from Eastern Michigan University.  She worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” at the Willow Run plant during WWII.  “Peg” was a longtime member of the Clinton Congregational (U.C.C.) Church.  She taught elementary school in Lenawee County for 36 years before retiring in 1980.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed many things in life, gardening, teaching children, her cats, spending time on her farm, skiing, motorcycle riding, and she especially loved spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren.

“Peg” is survived by her two daughters, Melinda Trout of Clinton and Julie (Steve Whittier) Schwartz of Heber, Utah; her son, Roy William (Chris) Schwartz of Ann Arbor; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; an infant child;  and her sister, Hope Bingham.

Upon her request, cremation has taken place and the family will receive friends on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Smith-Kimball Community Center in Clinton from 2-5 p.m. with food and fellowship to celebrate Peg's life.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. 

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.

Tecumseh Herald

 

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