Barbara (Gulick) Rathke
Barbara Gulick Rathke passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2009, Methodist Hospital, San Antonio, TX. She was born in Del Rio, TX on December 15, 1942. She was with the Class of 1960.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Herman L. Rathke, her daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Toby Coggins, her son and daughter- in -law, Lucas and Mariana Gilliam; Sisters: Cookie Gulick, and Cathie Callnan and brother-in-law Ken Callnan, Sandra Cauthorn and brother-in-law, Bobby Cauthorn; brother: Jimmy McNair and wife Kathy;
Grandchildren: Toby Coggins, Bess Coggins, Mauro Valdez Gilliam, and Luke Gilliam; also, niece Renita White and husband, Kyle, and nephew Bob A. Ricks, and wife Shawndi, and numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sparks Gulick and wife, Alice Gulick, and her Mother, Lenora Gulick.
Barbara graduated from Sul Ross University, earning a Masters Degree in Education.
She taught in the local public school system for 30 years, retiring in 2003. To be a student in Barbara’s class was close to being on an adventure. She was a natural teacher, making learning fun. She could teach any child to read.
She loved her life, and considered herself blessed to live on a farm. She was firmly rooted in an agricultural way of life. She was devoted to tending to her horses and dogs, and cherished her time with her husband feeding their livestock. She described Herman as the perfect husband for her. She spent many years handling the animal control part of Herman’s veterinary practice, up all hours of the night helping animals in distress through out the county. She was devoted to this mission.
Barbara never looked back; she often said she had no regrets, and any unpleasant experiences in life were often spoken of with humor.
She was incredibly creative, and had a wonderful imagination, that often spilled over into great story-telling. She was extremely generous. Barbara helped many people less fortunate than herself with money, food and clothing.
Her precious, beloved animals miss her greatly. They were her passion.
They include, Jacko, Boy Dog, Dart, Don Raul, Dutchess, Buddy, Piggy, and “nephew” dog, Rico, and neice dogs Gretchen, and Dixie, along with her parrot “Pepo” and cat, Rojo.
She had a special way with horses, spending many hours riding with her children and grandchildren through the years.
She took great pride in the fact that her children and grandchildren shared her love of animals. She was especially proud of their horsemanship.
Barbara will be missed by her family, friends, and animals. To know Barbara was indeed a unique experience.
A Memorial service will be celebrated on Monday, 4:00P.M, March 23, 2009 at St. James Episcopal Church with Reverend David Chalk officiating.
Funeral service arrangements with G. W. Cox Memorial Funeral Home, of Del Rio LTD, 114 Fletcher Drive, Del Rio, Texas. 78840 Ph: 830.775.2000