Janet J. Rath
1934-2023
Janet J. Rath passed away peacefully at home at age 88 on August 1, 2023, in Green Valley, Arizona. Janet was born on October 8, 1934, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Fannie and John Harms. She grew up in Firth, Nebraska, the youngest of four children.
Janet was involved in many school and church activities growing up, including serving as the school piano accompanist for school assemblies.
She attended the University of Nebraska where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in 1957. While in nurse’s training, she met her future husband, Dr. Otto Rath. They were married later that year in Frankfurt, Germany, while Otto finished his tour at an Army hospital.
Janet and Otto settled in Omaha, Nebraska, where they raised their five children. Janet was a very involved and devoted mom. She loved being a Cub Scout Den Mother, Bluebird Leader, and was a dedicated PTA Volunteer. Janet also served as a Church Deacon and chaired many Children’s Hospital Auxiliary committees. One of her favorite pastimes was watching her children play baseball, football, and especially tennis. She was always their biggest cheerleader. She also loved to knit, needlepoint, and create stained glass art.
Janet and Otto retired to Arizona in 2000. They enjoyed being “snowbirds,” traveling, playing golf, and spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Fannie and John Harms; infant brother, John; brother, Howard; and sister, Eleanor. She is survived by her husband, Otto; daughters, Susan Quigley (Jeff) and Nancy Rath; sons, John Rath (Nita), Tom Rath, and Chris Rath (Jill); grandchildren: Mike Quigley (Merritt), Meredith Quigley, Jacob Rath (Tessa), Miriam Rath and George Rath; great-grandchildren: Connor and Crawford Quigley, and Adam and Noah Rath; cherished nieces and nephews and their families.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Presbyterian Church of the Cross, 1517 W. 114th Street. Private interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial are suggested to Presbyterian Church of the Cross, or a charity of your choice.
To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
5 Comments
We want to share our sincere sympathies with the Rath family. Dr Rath provided many years of outstanding care for our children. Janet was always very kind and understanding when we called their home after hours.
Moran’s – Omaha Ne
Our sincere sympathy to Dr. Rath in the death of his beloved wife and to their family. Dr. Rath took care of our children for many years while we lived in Omaha and was a wonderful doctor for them and always kind and helpful to us.
Deepest sympathy to you, Dr. Rath.. Thank you, again, for the wonderful care you gave our three daughters. We appreciated your kind and caring ways. Our sympathy to all of your family at this sad and difficult time.
Dr. Rath, we are so sorry to read about the death of your wife. We are saying prayers for strength for you and your family to get through this trying and sad time.
Dr. Rath, So sorry to learn of Jan’s passing. We lived next door to each other while attending the University of Nebraska School of Nursing, however she was an upper classman who had to deal some of we first year students. My family, Stephen, Jay and Tim join me in sending our deepest sympathy to you at this sad time. May your faith and memories give you comfort.
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