Oct. 8, 2008
KENNESAW, Ga. - It is with great sadness that the KSU Athletic Department announces that Phyllis Rafter, wife of long-time softball assistant, Marty Rafter, passed away on Monday, October 6, after a brief bout with cancer at the age of 71. She was part of the Owls softball family for over 17 years and will be greatly missed.
Along with being the wife of assistant Marty Rafter, who has served on Scott Whitlock's staff for the past 13 years, she was the mother of Hall-of-Famer and Owl all-time great, Kelly Rafter.
"Ms. Phyllis" helped establish, and served for over a decade (1997-2008) as the Director of the K-Club - KSU's Softball Booster Club.
Speaking on behalf of the Owl Softball Program, Head Coach Scott Whitlock said, "Words can not properly describe this loss for the Owl Softball Family. Our dear Phyllis was a part of the traditions that make up the Kennesaw State Softball Program. She entrusted us with a daughter to play here, she supported a husband while he served as an assistant, and she oversaw the establishment of the K-Club. She is already greatly missed."
In memory of Phyllis Rafter, Athletic Director Dave Waples and Whitlock have declared announced that effective immediately and from now on, the softball team's first home tournament will be known as the Phyllis Rafter Memorial.
On a personal note, Whitlock added, "Phyllis was like an aunt to my children, and she was always a candid confidant and special friend to me. I loved her dearly."
Information on the visitation and funeral service is below:
Pilgrimage Presbyterian Church
4625 Wynne Russell Drive
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 717-9834
Visitation: 3:00-5:00 PM (at the church)
Funeral Service: 5:00 PM (at the church)
Reception and visiting: 5:45 PM (at the church)
Flowers will be accepted; however, it is preferred by the Rafter Family that donations be made in honor of Phyllis Rafter to either the American Cancer Society or the Girl Scouts of America.
