Betty Jane Couvillon

Betty Couvillon, lovingly known as “Grammy” to her grandchildren, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 26, 2023 at Valley View Nursing Home. She was 85 years old. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on April 15, 2023 until 2:00 PM at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Marksville, Louisiana. Eulogy will be given by Betty’s brother, Bill Mackey, at 1:00 PM. Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

Betty was born on September 18, 1937 in Tupelo, Mississippi, the daughter of Elvin “Bill” and Ruby Adkins Mackey. She graduated from Byrd High School in Shreveport. She retired after more than 30 years in state public service with most of those years at the LSU Agricultural Center in Baton Rouge. As a teenager she loved rodeos and barrel racing in the Shreveport area on her beloved horse, Baby Doll. She met the first love of her life, Jimmy Rathcke, at Barksdale Air Force Base. After his death, she later met and married her second love, Henry Couvillon. She always said God blessed her with the two most wonderful men on Earth.

Those left to cherish her precious memory include sister, Shirlie May and brother, Bill Mackey (Jayne), of Bossier; daughter, Tina Lemoine (Herman “Beady”), of Mansura; sons, Terry Rathcke (Bekka), of Jackson; Mike Rathcke (Tracey), of Baton Rouge; daughter, Jeannette Tate (Michael),  of Spring, Texas; sons, COL (USMCR) David Couvillon (Peggy), Brusly; CDR (Nurse Corps, US Navy) Michael Couvillon, of Houma; Edward Couvillon (Cindy) of Maywood, Nebraska; son-in-law, Gary Knowles, of Conroe, Texas. Grandchildren, Dustin Rathcke (Ashley); Danielle McDonald (Colby); Kacie Poret (Brandon); Chad Rathcke (Victoria); Katie Graham; Meaghan Haynie (Adam); Garrett Couvillon (Kaylin); Angelle Tompkins (Mike); Andree Alleman (Ben); Candy McClain (Richard); Angel Dean (Robert), Lorne Knowles; Mely Jacobson (Matt); Hannah-Kate Couvillon; Lauren Couvillon; Sarah-Grace Couvillon; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and her fur-baby, Jazzy.

She is preceded in death by parents Elvin “Bill” and Ruby Adkins Mackey; husband, James Rathcke; husband, Henry Couvillon; daughter, Ellise Knowles; brother-in-law, J.C. May.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the amazing staff at Valley View Nursing Home. They went above and beyond so many times. Special thanks to Kimmie and Megan for their extraordinary support. Also, thanks to Allegiance Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to your local animal shelter would be most appreciated.

Kilpatrick's Rose-Neath Funeral Home of Marksville has been trusted with the arrangments.