Biography: Katherine Elsie Mitchener Rather, 94, of Little Rock, died on September 14, 2009. She was born on January 31, 1915, in Marianna, Arkansas to the late Bessie Gordon Mitchener and Curtis Carrol Mitchener. Katherine grew up in eastern Arkansas and graduated from Marianna High School with the distinction of salutatorian. She attended Sullins College in Bristol, Virginia for two years and after graduation returned to Marianna to work for her father at the Mitchener Insurance Agency. In 1937, she married Gordon S. Rather of Little Rock who for many years headed the Rather, Beyer and Harper Insurance Agency in the capitol city. Katherine was active in a number of church and civic groups. She was a member of the Junior League of Little Rock, the Aesthetic Club, and served for several years as the secretary of the board of the Florence Crittenton Home. She was a long-term member of the Country Club of Little Rock and Christ Episcopal Church where she served on the vestry. Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gordon S. Rather (1985), her grandson, Hal Mitchener Rather (1992), and her son-in-law, Noel David McLean (2006). She is survived by her son, Gordon S. Rather, Jr. and his wife, Hayden of Little Rock and her daughter, Carroll Rather McLean-Baker and her husband, Norman of Forney, Texas. Her grandchildren are Beth Rather Gorman and her husband Steve of Arlington, Virginia; Rick Richardson and his wife Susan of Atlanta, Georgia; and Geoff Richardson and his wife Tiffany of Denver, Colorado. Her great-grandchildren are Katherine Gorman of Arlington, Virginia; and Hayden Richardson and Jory Richardson of Atlanta, Georgia. Katherine possessed a notable kindness that sustained her character. She enjoyed close relationships with people of all ages. Her friends benefited from her boundless energy, keen perception and remarkable brightness. Her characteristic thoughtfulness was found abundantly in her actions. She wrote lovely notes of congratulations and comforting letters of condolence; she prepared and delivered meals to those with special needs or who were newly arrived in her neighborhood; she stayed in close touch because she cared. She was kind-hearted, quick witted, and always well informed especially about family relationships and kinships. Her gracious Southern charm was everyone’s pleasure. All who knew her, whether for a lifetime or for just a few years, agreed that she was truly a lovely lady. Her family wishes to especially recognize and sincerely thank everyone on the staff of Parkway Village Health Center where Katherine resided for the final years of her life. Their kindness toward Katherine and affection for her will always be remembered with genuine appreciation. A private family graveside service conducted by The Rev. Scott Walters of Christ Episcopal Church will be held at Roselawn Cemetery on Friday, September 18, under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home. This will be followed by a reception from 3:00 – 4:30 PM at Christ Episcopal Church. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, Katherine requested, for those wishing to send memorials, that gifts be made to the Permanent Endowment Fund of Christ Episcopal Church, 509 South Scott Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, or the Permanent Endowment Fund of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 49 South Carolina Street, Marianna, Arkansas 72360, or another favorite charity.