Dates
Myrta Bob "Butch" Harper Rathbone Porter, 91, moved to her heavenly home on December 17, 2024. Myrta Bob was a godly woman who loved the Lord and her family and friends and set an example for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that will live on through their lives. She was a faithful servant of the Lord, enjoyed singing in the choir, serving on church committees near and dear to her heart, and being a Hospice volunteer.
Myrta Bob was born in Eldorado, Texas, on August 12, 1933, to Samuel Dunlap (S.D.) Harper Jr. and Ruth Alice DeLong Harper. She was the granddaughter of Schleicher County pioneer rancher David E. DeLong. She was raised in Eldorado, both in town and on family ranches, and attended her early school years in a small, one-teacher school, the Cliff School, and later Schleicher County ISD. She attended Angelo Junior College, where she met and married Norman Dalton Cash. Later, they transferred to Sul Ross State University to finish their education, where she graduated with her teaching degree. They enjoyed traveling with the Detroit Tigers, spring training in Florida, games nationwide, and Tiger Stadium. She fondly remembered the Tiger's Japanese exhibition tour in 1962. They were blessed with two children, Jay Carl and Julie Lee. After their divorce, she met and married Milton "Mickey" Rathbone in 1974 and were fortunate with 38 years of marriage where they enjoyed playing golf, traveling, ranching, hosting friends at the 19th hole (their home and backyard), and following their grandchildren as they participated in sports and various activities. After Mickey's death, she married a long-time friend, Craig Porter, and they enjoyed traveling to Canada, Vermont, Utah, and across Texas.
Myrta Bob was a remarkable woman whose life was filled with love, family, and dedication to education. As an educator, she influenced countless young minds during her 25+ years of teaching at Eldorado Elementary. Her contributions to her community and the lives she touched will be remembered by many. She lived a full life, marked by her roles as a mother, grandmother, and educator and her passions for travel, art, and nature.
Myrta Bob was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Emily Ann Wolfe Ainslie, her son, Jay Carl Cash, and her husbands, Mickey Rathbone and Craig Porter. Myrta is survived by her daughter, Julie Lee Hargraves Ed.D., and her husband, Perry; her stepson, Ron Rathbone; four grandchildren, Justin Harlin (Jessica), Harper Smith (Sidney), Halie Hargraves (Abbey), and Hayden Hargraves (Olivia); and five great-grandchildren, Paxton, Landree, Mickey, William, and Jetty; her niece Melinda Wolfe Ratliff, cousins Jeffrey Morehouse and Bobby DeLong, and God-children Jane Ann, Stephen, and Carol Jean, and numerous friends.
The family will have a private burial service and a celebration of Myrta's life at 2 p.m. Friday, December 20, at First Methodist Church of Eldorado. The family appreciates the support received during this difficult time, especially from Schleicher County Nursing Home, The Springs Memory Care, and Gentiva Hospice. Their dedication and compassion comforted Mom in her final months and years. The family also invites donations in her memory to the First Methodist Church of Eldorado and the Alzheimer's Association to continue supporting causes important to her. Also, a special thank you to Art and Martha at Work of Art; they played a vital role in extending Mom's quality of life with our weekly hair appointments, which she loved.
In His light, we find comfort in knowing that she is at peace in the arms of her Savior and how blessed our lives are with her love, support, and endless faith.