Harlene K. Rathert (85) of Windsor 

Published on October 13, 2025 3:05 pm
Last Updated on October 13, 2025 3:05 pm

image_printPrint

Harlene K. Rathert fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Her earthly journey concluded on October 10, 2025, at the age of 85. Harlene’s life was a tapestry of courage, faith, and unwavering love. Her final days were spent surrounded by the love and prayers of her family and friends, as she peacefully transitioned into the arms of her beloved Savior Jesus.

Harlene was born on January 1, 1940, in Windsor, the daughter of Harold and Oma (Finley) Bence. She married Richard Rathert on December 10, 1978, in Windsor. Harlene worked for Massachusetts Mutual Insurance in Mattoon before becoming an assistant to her husband at John Hancock Investment in Decatur. She enjoyed reading, running and walking trails and being outside. Harlene was an avid fan of the Fighting Illini and St. Louis Cardinals. She was a member of Northwest Christian Church in Decatur where she led the Operation Christmas Child Ministry for 20 years.

Surviving are her cousins, Tim Bence and his son Body Bence; cousin, Linda Baker and her husband Alan and their daughters, Brianna Dow, Heather Nah, Ashanti Toyloy, Monica Baker, Rihanna Baker, and Kourtney Baker; stepchildren, Charles Rathert and Allison Rathert, and sister-in-law Barbara Glass.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband and cousin Sam Bence.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Windsor Cemetery with Pastor Steve Higgs officiating. Memorials in Harlene’s name may be made to Northwest Christian Church, 1306 N Stanley Ave., Decatur, IL 62526 or Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or may be mailed to Lovins-Lockart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 52, Windsor, IL 61957.

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.