Carol Ann Rath Hildebrand

Carol Ann Hildebrand passed away March 3, 2024, at her home after battling lung cancer. She was born on October 19, 1940 to Rudy and Elizabeth Rath of Hondo, TX. She lost her mother just before her high school graduation. Despite having a heavy heart, she went on to do great things. 

With her determined spirit, she graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a degree in Recreation. She went on to work for the city of Arlington, TX as Director of Recreational Services. She was married for a brief time to Luther Hildebrand. In 1982, she met her partner in life, Ida Belle Armstrong. They were finally able to legally marry in 2013. 

Meanwhile, Carol returned to school and graduated from Texas Tech with a Master’s degree in Education. She taught PE, Speech, and coached girls’ athletic teams until 1989, when Belle and Carol moved to Fort Worth. There she worked as a teacher for Wackenhut Correctional Facility to help inmates gain their GED. She taught Driver’s Education during her time in Fort Worth as well as in Lubbock. She also coached girls’ sports in the Lubbock’s Public Schools. 

Their final move to Amarillo was in the late 1990’s, where Carol worked for Amarillo Independent School District as a Speech Teacher. Her Speech team competed at the state level many times. After her retirement, she continued serving as a substitute teacher at Caprock. 

She loved being around people and involved in the community with various groups: Citizens on Patrol, active member as a church leader, book clubs, and casinos trips. She loved being around friends, coworkers doing whatever they were involved in. She loved a challenge and games of any kind- board games, puzzles, sports, and casino games. If there was a game of any kind, she was either playing, watching, or coaching it. If you knew Carol at all, you know her love for animals was immense. 

Preceding her in death her parents, Rudy and Elizabeth Rath, sister, Jane Hathaway, and brother, Chris Rath. 

In lieu of flowers/gifts, Carol’s family has one request: the biggest tribute you can make is to live your life fully and completely just as Carol did.