RATHER, JEAN GRACE (1935 - 2024). The following is an obituary for Jean Rather, spouse of journalist Dan Rather. The obituary was provided by Weed, Corley, Fish Funeral Home of Austin. 

Jean Rather, surrounded by loving family, friends, and her beautiful artwork, died in Austin, Texas on November 26,2024. Her cause of death was cancer. She was 89.

Jean was the second of three sisters, with Jo Ann, and Karen, born in Smithville, Texas to Martin and Hilda Goebel.

She graduated from Smithville Public Schools and went straight to work and eventually at a Houston radio station she met and married her one true love, Dan Rather. Together they shared 67 years of marriage living in Dallas, Washington, DC, London, New York City, and finally in 2021 moved back to Texas for good. Jean was a steadfast advisor and rock of true Texas grit during every storm. She was also the kind of wife that could meet Presidents, Kings, Queens, draft dodgers, criminals and corporate suits every day with equal ease and a stunning smile.

Their travels around the world gave Jean a perspective and understanding she had never dreamed of and that at times reminded her of being Cinderella at the ball. She never forgot where she came from, never lost her Texas roots and never wavered from her fierce independence and endless creativity.

Jean was a tremendous mother and grandmother, making every game, cheering on every win, putting band aids on every skinned knee and being a confidante and friend to all her family members.

Jean, although always modest, was a very accomplished artist. Her paintings and collages were shown in galleries and private collections across the US. She attended art classes at American University and Mary Mount Manhattan College. Through careful study of master artists’ paintings and sculpture in museums in England, France, Italy, Russia, Israel. Greece, Turkey, and Southeast Asia, Jean created a unique contemporary philosophy and style.

For eight years, she served as the Painter Member and the Vice Chair of the Art Commission of the City of New York.

Jean served on many nonprofit Boards throughout her life, including the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, UT Press, and the Harry Ransom Center.

She is survived by her husband Dan, son Danjack and his partner Ann Prunty, and grandson Martin in New York, daughter Robin and her partner Mike Marler and grandson Andy in Austin as well as many members of the Wallace, Zimerhanzel and Rather extended families. Her many dear friends have been wonderful companions, and their love and support meant the world to her.

Below is the link of Jean Grace Rather's memorial video on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfyPutRcXzE

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life Reception from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Saturday, December 14, 2024 at The Headliners Club, 221 W. 6th Street, Suite 2100, Austin, Texas 78701.

Donations in lieu of flowers to the Ann Richards School for Girls would be a wonderful way to remember her.