A few weeks ago, I got a notification from a local news organization about a "body found in Warrick Co." Man, those are the worst, aren't they? You always think, "God, please don't let it be someone I know." It might be selfish to pray that prayer, as the victim is someone's family and friend, but it's human nature.

As details came in, it became a reality that the person might be connected to my family. When my husband told me that the young woman found at Alcoa Soccer Fields had been to my house on multiple occasions, only then did I recognize her.

Halee Denise Rathgeber was my step-daughter, Carley's, close friend. At only 20-years-old, her life was stolen from her in a tragic way. I can't imagine the feeling of loss and level of grief that her family and friends are experiencing. Her close friends remember her being a spunky young lady who was a joy to be around and she is gravely missed.

thebenchfactory.com
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To help with the healing process, Halee's friends have decided to place a bench in her honor along the Newburgh riverfront. However, most 20-year-olds don't have an extra $900. So, they are asking for help from the community to fund the bench. Carley told me, "We are wanting somewhere people can go to talk and feel close to her."

The bench will read:
Halee D. Rathgeber
1996-2017
Psalms 46:5

The family has set up a GoFundMe page and also a memorial account at Field & Main Bank. And here at Townsquare Media Evansville-Owensboro, we are kicking off the fundraising by donating the first $100 to Halee's Bench.

If you want to help fund Halee's Bench, visit any Field & Main location and ask to donate to the Halee Rathgeber memorial fund or click below.

Field & Main Bank Locations
Address: 1020 N Burkhardt Rd, Evansville, IN 47715
Address: 400 Barrett Blvd, Henderson, KY 42420

 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. -Psalms 46:5

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