Emma Jo Rathel

Emma Jo Rathel, 72, of Phenix City, Alabama, died Monday November 21, 2011 at the Vista Care Hospice facility at Franciscan Woods in Columbus, GA. Funeral services will be held 2:00pm (EST) Friday November 25th in the chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 3770 Hwy 431 N, Phenix City, Alabama, 36867 with the Reverend Brad McDaniel officiating. Interment will be in Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening November 23rd at the funeral home from 6pm until 8pm.

Mrs. Rathel was born August 31, 1939 in Crenshaw County, Alabama, daughter of the late Med L. Catrette and Nancy V. Battles Catrette. She was retired from the Phenix City School System where she last worked for Glenwood School. She was a member of the New Beginnings Fellowship Church in Phenix City and the Southern Bell Pioneers.

Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Don A. Rathel, Sr., sons and daughter-in-law, Don A. Rathel. Jr. and wife Judy,

Mike Rathel, daughter and son-in-law, Alicia and Steve Studds , all of Phenix City, brother and sister –in-law, David and Shervy Catrette , sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Mickey Powell, all of Brantley, AL., numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Vista Care Hospice, Columbus, GA. To offer condolences please visit www.shphenixcity.com.