Amanda "Schoeny" Rath

Amanda "Schoeny" Rath, 101, of Fort Collins, Colo., formerly of Sioux City, passed peacefully from this world on Monday, Dec. 3, 2007.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City, with the Rev. Ralph Shorey officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel.

Amanda was born Oct. 7, 1906, in Drake, N.D., to Adam and Ottelia Schoenwald. She 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 to attend and graduate from nurse's 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, a member of the Altar Guild, a member of 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.

Survivors include a daughter, Pam Hawley of Fort Collins, Colo.; a son, Tom Rath of Oakland, Tenn.; a sister, Matilda Lewallen of Woodburn, Ore.; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Julius Rath; her eldest daughter, Barbara Vollmer; and a grandson.