Amanda Rath

Amanda "Schoeny" Rath, age 101, passed peacefully from this world Dec. 3, 2007. A graveside service will take place in Sioux City, Iowa. A Fort Collins memorial service will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Good Samaritan Home, 508 W. Trilby Road. Born Oct. 7, 1906, in Drake, N. D., to Adam and Ottelia Schoenwald, Amanda spent her childhood on a homestead in North Dakota with nine siblings. She was raised learning how to have a strong work ethic and care for others. At the age of 19, she moved to Sioux City, Iowa, to attend and graduate from nurses training. At the age of 22, she married Julius Rath and raised three children in Sioux City. She filled her life there as a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church in Sioux City, a member of the Altar Guild, a member of the St. Luke's Hospital auxiliary and hospital volunteer for 10 years. In retirement, she was employed as a part-time sales representative for World Book Encyclopedia, earning many awards for her endeavors. Amanda's life was enriched by her church family, her grandchildren, the companionship of friends, playing bridge and continually learning new things. She was always open for an adventure. As a good sport, she tried snorkeling for the first time at age 85. She leaves behind a legacy to her family and friends of her strong faith in God, her caring for others, her bright sense of humor and positive attitude to the end of her life. Amanda was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Julius Rath; her eldest daughter, Barbara Vollmer; and one grandson. Amanda is survived by a daughter, Pam Hawley of Fort Collins; a son, Tom Rath of Oakland, Tenn.; one sister, Matilda Lewallen of Woodburn, Ore.; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Nursing Home or Peace with Christ Lutheran Church in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.bohlenderfuneralchapel.com .