Judge Mary Rathel was born and raised in Lancaster.  She has worked for the Probate Court since 2017, in all areas of the Court before being appointed by Governor McMaster in 2022 to complete the term of the previous Judge. Judge Rathel was elected Probate Judge in 2022 and took office in January of 2023. Judge Rathel is a Certified Court Manager through the National Association of Court Managers and the National Center for State Courts.  
Judge Rathel is married and has two children.