Shirley Ann Rath

Obituary

Shirley Ann Rath was born January 3, 1923, in Grafton Township, Sibley County, Minnesota, the daughter of Albert and Luella (Burgstahler) Boehlke. She grew up in the Stewart, Buffalo Lake, and Brownton areas, and graduated from the Brownton High School as the Salutatorian with the Class of 1940.

On August 8, 1943, Shirley was united in marriage to Ervin Rath at the Zion United Methodist Church in Buffalo Lake.  The couple made their home on a farm north of Buffalo Lake where they raised their family. In 1981 Shirley and Ervin built their new home in Buffalo Lake. They enjoyed traveling to various locations in the United States and Mexico, with a special trip to Germany, but enjoyed Minnesota and the Buffalo Lake area the most. They had shared 65 years of marriage when Ervin passed away on March 28, 2009. Shirley continued to live in their home until she was 93 years old when she moved into the Oaks in Hutchinson.

Shirley, in her early years, was a school teacher. As her family grew, she became a substitute teacher for many years. She was very active in the Buffalo Lake community. Shirley served as a director on the Buffalo Lake School Board, and as a 4-H Leader for the Lakeside Comets. She was always willing to lend a helping hand in community events and the P.T.A. Shirley was a faithful member of the Zion United Methodist Church, and served as an officer of U.M.W. and chaired and participated on various committees and events.  

Shirley enjoyed writing special poetry and readings for individuals and functions. She also enjoyed playing and teaching Bridge and many other card games, or a good crossword puzzle or word search. Shirley always had time for a cup of coffee, and enjoyed serving her guests some kind of pastry or ice cream! She dearly loved her family and so enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On Monday evening, May 28, 2018, Shirley passed away at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson at the age of 95 years old. Blessed be her memory.

Shirley is survived by her:

Son, Curt Rath and his wife Deb of St. Cloud;

Daughter-in-law Audrey Rath of New Ulm;

Grandchildren: Jeff Rath, Keri (Nick) Nelson, Nathan (Christine) Rath, Matthew Rath (fiancé Tiffany Tersteeg), Kami Jo (Joshua) Lenzen, Alissa Rath, Brennen (Emily) Rath, Ryan Rath, Kim Rath;

13 Great-Grandchildren and 3 Step-Great-Grandchildren;

Sister, June Richards of California;

and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her Parents, Albert and Luella, Stepmother Gertrude, Husband Ervin, Sons James and Larry, and Sister Phyllis Piehl.