Bonnie Rathjen

Bonnie Lea Rathjen, 81, died Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at her home in Aztec, New Mexico.

Mrs. Rathjen was born Sept. 30, 1929, in Tonkawa, Okla., the daughter of Rayden and Goldie Smith. Bonnie grew up in Cortez. She worked at Jackie’s Drive In as a waitress and that was where she met her future husband, R.L. They were married on Nov. 22, 1948 in Englewood. The Rathjen's lived in Englewood for a short while. Mr. Rathjen worked construction and they outfitted a travel trailer and traveled all over Colorado for Mr. Rathjen's jobs. In 1954, the Rathjen's settled in Durango, but it was in the 1960's that they moved to Aztec and ran the Hilltop Steakhouse. Then in the 1970's, Mr. Rathjen still continued to do construction while Bonnie worked at the Silver Spur and at the Thomas Decor gift shop in Durango. But mainly, she was a housewife. In 1985 Mr. Rathjen retired, got a motorhome and traveled to California in the winters. They also had a boat named, "Little Richard" which they enjoyed on Navajo Lake and they also belonged to the Durango Club. Bonnie enjoyed gardening, crocheting, her Jack Russell terriers, Peanut and Jackie, and was "the best cook" according to her family. Mrs. Rathjen enjoyed spending time with her entire family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by R.L. Rathjen (husband) of Aztec, Doug and Kaynet Rathjen (son and daughter in law) of Durango, Bobby & Micki Rathjen (son and daughter in law) of Durango, grandchildren Tina Landis, Kellie Dolph, Clay Rathjen, Ricky Rathjen, great- grandchildren: J.J. Landis, Dayna Landis, Tyler Talbot, Reed Dolph, Zoe Rathjen, Cael Dolph, Rance Rathjen, Arleta O'Hair (sister) of Green Valley, Ariz.

She was preceded in death by Ricky Rathjen (son), Danielle Rathjen (granddaughter) and Josephine Routt (sister).

A funeral service will be Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 1:30 P.M. at Hood Mortuary Chapel. Ron Tate will be officiating. Burial will occur at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango.