Elvera M. Rathert, 79, of Chester, IL,

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Elvera M. Rathert, 79, of Chester, IL, died August 16, 2008 at her residence in Chester, IL.

The daughter of George and Laura (Eggemeyer) Brelig, she was born December 12, 1928, in Walsh, IL.

On September 14, 1952, she married Willard W. Rathert in Chester, IL, and he preceded her in death in 1996.

Evera was Founder and Co-Owner, along with her husband Willard, of Chester Electric since 1972. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Chester; LWML; Popeye Fan Club; and Camptown Card Club. She also was a collector of Glassware and Antiques.

Survivors include two children-Nelson (Peg) Rathert of Omaha, NE and Sharon (Jim) Diederich of Lake of the Ozarks, MO; one sister, Vernice (Dr. Loren, PHD) Jung of Columbia, MO; one brother, George (Pat) Brelig of Ft. Collins, CO; two grandchildren-Dr. Nicolas Rathert of St. Louis, MO and Natalie Rathert of Nashville, TN; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one nephew, Jim Jung.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, IL, with Rev. Mark Willig officiating. Burial was in the Paradise Cemetery, Steeleville, IL.

Memorials may be made to St. John Radio Fund, the American Cancer Society, or Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, IL, was in charge of the arrangements.