Donna (York) Rathel

Donna York Rathel, age 79, of Chambersburg, PA, graduated into the presence of her Savior, March 4, 2022.

Donna was born August 15, 1942, at 11:05 AM in Detroit, Michigan, the first child of Lawrence and Myrl (Beech) York. 

Donna was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence York, sister Sharon Phillips, and Grandson Max Rathel. 

For her 57 years of marriage to Chuck she was a pastor’s wife. Together, they ministered as a team in churches in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. She has taught Sunday school, children’s churches, ladies’ meetings, Vacation Bible Schools, was a girl’s counselor at youth camp, as well as teaching in private Christian schools. She was the perfect balance to the ministries God gave them. She has touched thousands of lives during their 57 years of ministry together.  She was an active member of The Open Door Church in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

As a child in Michigan, she loved ice skating and snow sports. She used her green thumb to grow and to care for her flowers and plants. She loved God, going to church, the preaching of the Word, worship and praise music, and the amazing people at church. She loved checking on people and encouraging them in their daily walk with God. Donna is survived by her husband of 57 years, Charles Rathel. Two sons, Ben Rathel (Jennifer), grandsons Zach and Spencer Rathel of West Chester, Ohio, and Nathan (Charity) Rathel, and grandsons Levi, Lincoln, and Luke Rathel of Woodstock, Georgia. Her mother, Myrl York of Springfield, Missouri, brother Bob York (Joyce) of Rogersville, Missouri. Brother Thomas York of Detroit, Michigan. Brother Martin York of Melvin, Michigan. Sister Debbie Carter (Robert) of Springfield, Missouri. Many nephews, nieces, and a multitude of friends all over the country.

Donna’s Celebration of Life service is conducted by Dr. Pete Rathel, Pastor Mike Sanders, Pastor Carl McKee, of The Open Door Church. 

Because of Donna’s love of the Word of God, in lieu of flowers please consider using the enclosed contact information to print bibles for Samoa. Beacon of Truth Baptist Ministries, 2992 Republic Avenue, Florence, SC 29501.  Designate your gift in her memory to the 26,000 Samoa Bible Project. It costs just $2.50 to give one Bible.

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