Lillian Louise Rathmell went to be with the Lord on October 6, 2025. She was born Lillian Louise Petty on June 2, 1929 in San Saba to Matthew Leon Petty and Mary Ann Stewart Petty.
Lillian grew up during the depression and World War II era. The hardship of these events helped shape the person she would become in life. Those early experiences instilled a dedication to family, the respect for those less fortunate and to be prepared for the future. Lillian attended school in Santa Anna and in Bangs, graduating from Bangs High School in 1946. After graduation, she attended Brownwood Business College for two years and then moved to Dallas to work for 20th Century Fox Movie Corporation. Not long after moving to Dallas, she met John Rathmell from Novice. They were married on July 28, 1950 in Novice and they celebrated 60 years together before his death in June of 2010.
Lillian served as her son’s Cub Scout Leader and taught Sunday School for several years and was a devout church member. Lillian was an exceptional cook, preparing fabulous holiday meals every year for her family. She was an animal lover who never turned a hungry stray animal away and would try to find them homes. Her most lasting impact was the loving mother and care giver she was to her husband and children, always there to support them.
Left to cherish Lillian’s memory are her children, Kelly Lee Rathmell and Clinton Rathmell and his wife Timelia (Timi); her grandson, Matthew Thomas Rathmell; sisters, Ann Byrd and Billie Joy Williams along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband, Lillian was also preceded in death by one brother, Thomas Petty.
There will be a service honoring the life of Lillian Louise Rathmell 3:00 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 400 West Pecan Street, Coleman, with Mr. Chad Anders officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.
Remembrances and condolences for the family may be left on Lillian’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rathmell family.
