CHESTER - Viola M. "Shorty" Rathert, 91, of Chester, passed away at 2:20 am, Monday, April 14, 2014 at the Randolph County Care Center in Sparta, Illinois. Viola was born in Campbell Hill, Illinois on October 13, 1922, the daughter of George and Bertha Stegmann Westerman. She married Herbert E. Rathert on July 9, 1976 at Wine Hill, Illinois. He preceded her in death on September 8, 1991. Viola was retired from World Color Press in Sparta and was a Beautician. She was a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Wine Hill and St. Paul's Ladies Aid. Viola was the organist at St. Paul's for years and she was a former Pressly Tour Guide. Viola is survived by one step son, Jeff (Judy) Rathert of Percy; one step daughter, Brenda (Robert) Blair of Powhatan, VA; 3 step grandchildren; 9 step great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and great nieces and great nephews. Viola was also preceded in death by her Parents; two sisters; and three brothers. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Wine Hill with Rev. Tim B. Zechiel officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, where friends may call from 5 pm to 8 pm Tuesday and on Wednesday from 7:30 am until 9 am then from 10 am until 11 am at the church. Memorials may be given to St. Paul's Lutheran Church Roof Fund.