Emily Rather

Emily M. Rather, 97, of Bunker Hill, IL, died at Alton Memorial Hospital, Alton, IL on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 2:23 am. She was born December 7, 1928, in Florissant, MO to Fred & Emma Dieckmann.

Emily was a 1941 graduate of Cold Water School. She married Lawrence H. Rather on November 20, 1948. In 1953 they moved to Bunker Hill, IL. She was raised on a farm and married a farmer.  

She especially enjoyed gardening, sewing and reading. She belonged to two groups that met to play pinochle each week. Emily was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, the Ladies of Zion, Farm Bureau and was an election judge for Bunker Hill Township for many years.

She is survived by her children, Terry (Gena) Rather of Shipman, IL, Donna Howe of Montclair, CA, Dale (Patti) Rather of Bunker Hill, IL, grandchildren, Jerad (Jacqueline) Rather, Jaime Hilyard, Joseph (Jami) Rather, Alexander (Andrea) Rather, Kyle Rather, Megan Howe, Maddie Howe and 15 great grandchildren.  

Emily was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, twin grandchildren, Adam & Brian, son in law, Wayne Howe, sister, Hilda Renken, brothers, Walter Dieckmann and Harold Dieckmann.

Friends may call on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Kravanya Funeral Home in Bunker Hill from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Funeral services are Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 12:00 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home in Bunker Hill. Burial will be at Bunker Hill Cemetery, Bunker Hill, IL.  

Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church Ladies of Bunker Hill or Bunker Hill Library.  

Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com.  

Kravanya Funeral Home, Bunker Hill, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

Obit Provided By:
Kravanya Funeral Homes