Marcia Rader

Marcia Ann Rader, age 74 of Butler, Missouri, died Saturday, August 23, 2025 at her home. She was born June 9, 1951 to Dwain and Nadine Batten Hughes in Springfield, Missouri.

Marcia, one of two daughters, grew up on a family farm near Pennsboro, Missouri and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1969. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in music from Drury University where she was a basketball cheerleader and an active member of Pi Beta Phi–a sorority that focuses on the personal and intellectual growth of its members. 

As a subsequent holder of a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Central Missouri, her dedication to education set the stage for her lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds and souls. She taught band and/or vocal in Missouri schools of Billings, Owensville, Buffalo, Adrian and Butler . . . then retired as a school guidance counselor at Butler. 

Marcia’s love for music resonated beyond the classroom. For 40 years, she played the organ at Zion Lutheran Church. Her unwavering faith as a devout Christian underscored her life’s work, offering comfort and joy to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. 

On August 21, 1971 Marcia was united in marriage to Randy Rader–they just celebrated their 54th anniversary.

Marcia’s commitment to enriching lives extended into every note of her personal interests. Her life was like a well-composed song, filled with the cheering of her grandchildren at ball games, the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies, the delight of a day spent shopping, the dedication to health through walking and exercise, and the cherished moments with family and friends that will be held dearly in memory. 

Described as loving, loyal, and compassionate, Marcia’s life was a masterful composition of service, mentorship, and care in the hearts of those she inspired, taught and loved. Her presence will be deeply missed, but will echo eternally in the lives she has touched.

Marcia is survived by her husband, Randy Rader of Butler, Missouri; two daughters: Kristen Diehl and husband, Trent; and Kellie Davidson and husband, Michael, all of Butler, Missouri; six grandchildren: Tanner Diehl, Mason Diehl, Dylan Davidson, Lucas Davidson, Camden Davidson and Karsyn Davidson; special nephews Eric and Colby as well as numerous other nephews and nieces; two brothers-in-law: Mike Rader and wife, Martha and David Andrews; two sisters-in-law: Karen Rader Bench and husband, Kelly; and Darlene Rader Roswurm; and a host of other family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Linda Andrews; and father/ mother-in-law, Howard and Mary Rader.

Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679- 6555) in Butler, Missouri. Burial was  in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. 

Contributions to Marcia Rader Memorial Scholarship will be appreciated. 

Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.