Obituary, Visitation & Funeral Information

Rathweg, Theresa Jane, age 92, of Waynesville, passed away Friday, July 30th, 2021. She was born in Hamilton, Ohio on December 7, 1928 to the late Agnes (Tipton) and Arthur Durbin. Theresa was united in marriage on June 21, 1958 to Walter C. Rathweg. They were married for 61 years until Walt's passing. They were preceded in death by their son, Don (Teri) Rathweg.

Theresa is survived by her four children, Debbie (Doug) Gibson of Waynesville, Walt E. Rathweg of Waynesville, Kevin Rathweg of Lebanon, and Kris (Jeff) Castle of Puyallup, Washington; seven grandchildren, Mindy (Dana) Beougher, Stan Gibson, Josh (Jen) Rathweg, Natalie Rathweg, Victoria Rathweg, Mitch Castle and Joe Castle, three sisters and many nieces and nephews.

Theresa was the second oldest of 11 children, and she moved to Dayton to help her aunt and uncle. She worked at a five and dime, men's clothing store, and later moved to a boarding house where she met, married and divorced an Army lieutenant , Harrison Hess, Jr. They had one daughter, Debbie. Five years later she met and married Walt, and she worked at Wonder Bread in the accounting department until the birth of their first child.

Moving to a nine acre farm near Waynesville, Walt and Theresa raised 5 children. Their home was always full of friends and relatives. It was there that for 50 years they held 4th of July picnics, and later pumpkin carvings in the fall. Theresa's husbandry skills were admired. She was an excellent cook, seamstress, gardener (especially flowers), baker (wedding and decorative birthday cakes were her specialty) and artist.

Theresa was loved by many and will be deeply missed. To help the family celebrate her life, you are invited to share during her Life Celebration Visitation on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and Life Celebration Services immediately following at 4:00 pm at Conner & Koch Life Celebration Home, 92 W. Franklin St., Bellbrook. She will be laid to rest with Walt at Calvary Cemetery.

During this life celebration service, you will have an opportunity to share a memory or story about Theresa. After services, you will have the opportunity to continue sharing memories during a very informal gathering at her home (9173 Bellbrook Road, Waynesville, Ohio 45068). As the weather will be warm, please dress appropriately and lawn chairs are encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Ohio's Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties (https://www.hospiceofbwco.org/donate/), Attn: Hospice of Dayton Foundation, 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, Ohio 45420. You are welcome to send a condolence or flowers, plant a tree or share a memory or story about Theresa at www.ConnerAndKoch.com by clicking on her name.

During this difficult time, if you are feeling ill or unhealthy in any way, you are encouraged to pay your respects in alternative methods, such as sending a sympathy card or sharing a memory through Theresa's online book of memories. In addition, the services will be streamed live via the internet. If you wish to view the services on the live stream, please reach out to funeral home to be added to the list.

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