Rath, Janice E.

Janice E. Rath, age 96, of Athens, passed away on Sunday, January 2, 2011 at Menard Convalescent Center in Petersburg. She is survived by her daughter Joyce Lott Biggs of Athens, three grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and one sister, Cherry Hinote of Tucson, AZ Janice was born April 2, 1914 in Petersburg, IL the daughter of Grover Cleveland and Estelle May Phillips Hudspeth. Janice married Harry Rath in 1932 and he preceded her in death in 1971. She was also preceded in death by her son Phil in 2003, two grandchildren Danny & Angie, also her siblings Dick Hudspeth, Gerald Hudspeth and Feraldine Jones. She graduated valedictorian of her class at Athens High School. Janice worked for H. B. Wilson & Co. in Athens for several years. She then began working as a secretary and then later became a branch manager for Massey Ferguson in Springfield before her retirement. Janice enjoyed Bingo and attended her great-grandchildren’s sporting events up until her 96th year; she enjoyed this most of all. She was a member of Athens Christian Church and participated in starting the Athens Community Park. Visitation will be held at Athens Christian Church on Wednesday January 5, 2010, where friends may call from 10:00 AM until time of services at 11:00 AM. Rev. Chance Newingham will be officiating. Burial will be held at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens. Memorials can be made to Athens Christian Church or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. The family is being assisted by Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens, IL