Elizabeth Rathbun

Elizabeth Ann Kauffman Rathbun left this life on May 6, 2024. Elizabeth was born to Margaret Elizabeth Fielden and Joseph Lee Kauffman on September 4, 1939 in Texarkana, Texas. She attended school at Texarkana Public Schools and attended college at Texarkana Junior College then graduated from North Texas State University with a teaching degree in music in 1962.

Elizabeth got her first teaching job at Burleson Elementary School in Dallas where she taught music from 1962-1970. During that time, she met her soul mate William Rathbun. When she was introduced to him at a church study group, she said that God had spoken to her and told her that he was the man that she would someday marry. Just a short six months later, they were married on June 12, 1965 and not only had God’s word come true about marrying William he also came with twins that were 9 years old. In her mind, this was a complete package, she got the husband and the kids! As much as she hated to leave Texas, she moved with her new husband to Oklahoma to be close to his family. She lived in Oklahoma for the rest of her years, but her heart was always in Texas along with her Dallas Cowboys.

When they started their new life in Glencoe, they built their home that she had chosen in 1972 and she took a teaching job at Glencoe Public Schools where she retired from in 1996. Her passion was music and teaching, both of which she took very seriously. She took many of her students to competitions year after year. She put on many plays and school events though the years. She did lessons on the side for piano, guitar, and voice. She will be remembered by many of her students and fellow teachers as a bright light in her small school and community.

Elizabeth was a devout Christian and attended the Glencoe United Methodist church every Sunday where she played the organ, piano, led the choir and the handbells. She was a very dedicated, giving and kind person and always a positive light and able to see the bright side of everything and everyone.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings Katherine Louise Smith, Mary Jean Pickering, Margaret Marlow and Norman (Boob) Kauffman.

She is survived by her brothers Charles Kauffman of Arvada, CO and Joseph Kauffman, Jr. of Fort Worth, TX. Williams children Darrell Rathbun of Glencoe and Cheryl Haney of Lillian, AL. Grandchildren Melisa Pitzer of Glencoe, Brandon Winsett of Blanchard and Keith Winsett of Perry. Numerous great grandchildren that she enjoyed so much Skyla Johnston, Mason Johnston, Miley Short, Paxton Winsett, Camden Winsett, Brayden Winsett, Addison Winsett, Waylon Winsett, Stormi Winsett and Kinzie Winsett.

Condolences may be sent directly to Melisa Pitzer at 220 W Redbud, Glencoe, OK 74032 or to the Poteet Funeral Home in Pawnee, OK.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 10am at the Glencoe Event Center on Lone Chimney Road in Glencoe.