BARBARA BEEMAN RATHGEBER
1937-2018
Barbara Beeman Rathgeber passed away on September 25, 2018 in Round Rock, Texas at the age of 81.
Barbara was born on May 1, 1937 in Dallas, TX to the late Edith and Keith R. Beeman, Sr. Barbara moved with her family to Houston in 1940, first living in Bellaire where she attended Condit Elementary School. The family moved to Hunters Creek Village in late 1948 and she graduated from Spring Branch High School in 1955. She had a close knit group of friends from high school and remained close with them until her passing. Last year, she celebrated the 80th birthday of many of these dear friends. She attended Texas Christian University where she met her husband, Van Rathgeber. Barbara and Van were married on April 13, 1957 and celebrated their 61st anniversary earlier this year. They moved to Houston in 1965 and bought their house in Hedwig Village in 1966, where they raised their three children and lived until 2017. Since that time, Barbara and Van have been living in Brazos Towers at Bayou Manor Retirement Community.
Once all the kids were in school, she finished up her degree at Houston Baptist College and subsequently taught for 20 years at Westchester High School and Stratford High School. She was very involved with the Student Government, Mock Trial, and Academic Decathalon. She loved those years with the students and her fellow teachers, with many of whom she developed lifelong friendships.
She and Van joined the congregation at St. Philip’s Presbyterian Church in 1965 where she enjoyed sponsoring the youth group, fellowship with the Presbyterian Women, countless retreats to Mo-Ranch and Camp Choyeh and, more recently, bridge club. Her favorite charity was Christian Community Service Center, where she was active, volunteering over many years.
Another great passion was traveling and history, which kicked off with a trip to Europe when she was 15 years old. This trip made such an impression that she committed herself to travel and learning here entire life. She traveled extensively and loved meeting people, telling jokes and being social. Her travels centered on Europe, with many river trips through England, France, and Germany. She also traveled in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Russia, India, and South America.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Van D. Rathgeber, Jr., her son and daughter-inlaw, Van D. Rathgeber III and Anna Korhonen of Houston, TX, daughter and son-in-law, Linne and Gene Atteberry of Katy, TX, daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Chris Hale of Salado, TX; granddaughter Elizabeth Atteberry Hardegree of Weatherford, TX, and her husband Chris Hardegree, grandson Brian Atteberry and his wife, Sarah, of Robinson, TX, and four great grandchildren, and her brother and sister-in-law, Keith R. Beeman Jr (Buddy) and Linda, and their two children.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held December 13, 2018 at 11:00am at St. Philip’s Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Christian Community Service Center at this link: https://www. ccschouston.org/donations/ Donations can also be mailed to CCSC, PO Box 27924, Houston, TX, 77227. The family would like to thank the staff of Davita Dialysis, Home Instead, and Pastor Dave Corna of Seton Medical Center Williamson for their assistance and caring.