Ida Kathryn Mitchell Rattley

Ida Kathryn Mitchell Rattley

“Snookie”

Tuesday, January 22, 1929

Monday, June 1, 2026

Ida Kathryn “Snookie” Mitchell Rattley of Germantown, Maryland, peacefully passed away at the age of 97 on Monday night June 1, 2026 at her home in the presence of eternal love, surrounded by her son, daughter and granddaughter holding her hands as she moved into the next realm, guided by the Great Spirit.

Born on Tuesday, January 22, 1929, in Wilkesboro, NC, she was the beloved first daughter of Earl Terry Dewitt Mitchell born in Black Lick, Wytheville, VA and Lillie Virginia Mitchell (née Harris) born in Wilkesboro, NC.

Growing up, Snookie attended Lincoln Heights School in Wilkesboro, NC from early education through high school. She then attended Bennett College in Greensboro, NC where she nurtured a love of art and fashion. She was elected “May Queen” in 1949.

Snookie graduated from Bennett College in 1949 with a Bachelor’s Degree in art and a minor in textiles. She then furthered her education with post-graduate study in fashion design at Columbia University in New York City, art at The Corcoran School of the Arts and Design in Washington, DC and education at The University of Maryland.

Snookie worked as a Dental Assistant in DC before returning to Wilkesboro in 1958 to teach Home Economics at Lincoln Heights School. Unusual for the times, many of her classes were co-educational, providing a strong base for future success to a multitude of students. In 1962, she returned to the Washington Metropolitan area with a teaching position in Home Economics at Beltsville Junior High School. When that school was closed, she moved to Parkdale High School in Riverdale, MD, where she taught Home Economics and Art until her retirement in 1991.

Snookie enjoyed creating stuffed animals, dolls and clothing, a passion that she inherited from her mother, which she shared with her family and friends. She was also an avid reader, amassing a very extensive collection of craft and cooking books. In addition, she was able to spend time creating artworks and won several awards for her watercolor pictures. She delighted in visiting family for the Harris Reunion in Wilkesboro, on summer vacations and holidays, especially at Christmas, when she handcrafted many decorations, artfully trimmed the tree and thoughtfully and creatively wrapped packages.

Snookie is survived by her son Elliott Austin Rattley Jr and daughter Vicki Elizabeth Rattley, both of Germantown, MD, her sister Grace Jean Hall (Tom) of Riverside, CA and her granddaughters Dyana Jeanne Clarke (David) of Purcellville, VA and Lillie Celeste Ellison of Montgomery Village, MD.

Ida Kathryn “Snookie” Mitchell Rattley lives on lovingly in the memories of four great granddaughters, nieces, nephews, cousins and the many beloved family members, friends and former students whose lives she touched.

A ceremony of returning to the Earth will be held in Wilkesboro, NC on a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity in Mom's name or possibly plant a tree.