Betty Rath

June 30, 1927 - September 12, 2022

Service: Betty will be laid to rest on November 4th, 2022 at the Omaha National cemetery at 2pm.

Service: A Celebration of Betty’s Life will be held at The Market Basket (2501 S. 90th St. Omaha, NE) on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 2-4 p.m.

Betty (Huttenmaier) Rath, 95, of Canton SD (formerly of Omaha, NE), died peacefully Monday, September 12, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Center in Canton, SD surrounded by her family.  Betty will be laid to rest on November 4th, 2022 at the Omaha National cemetery at 2pm.  A Celebration of Betty’s Life will be held at The Market Basket (2501 S. 90th St. Omaha, NE) on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 2-4 p.m.

Betty was born June 30, 1927 in rural Pickrell, Nebraska to Carl and Pauline (Krasser) Huttenmaier.  She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Beatrice, NE High School and then attended the University of Nebraska Medical College graduating with a degree in nursing in 1949.  Betty then went on to teach obstetrical and gynecologic nursing at Boston Lying-In Hospital, Barnes Hospital in St Louis, and Long Island College in Brooklyn, NY. She married the love of her life, Dr Hans Rath, on December 22, 1957 in Lincoln, NE.  The couple then moved back to Omaha, NE in 1960 where Betty returned to University of Nebraska Medical Center to continue to teach nursing until 1976.

While living in Omaha, Hans and Betty were active in their church, the German-American Club, volunteering at the Red Cross, Opera Omaha, and the Josyln Art Museum.  They enjoyed traveling to many states and countries and renewing family ties with relatives in Germany.

Hans and Betty were blessed with 2 children, G. Daniel and his wife, Mary (Canton SD) and Heidi Rath Hope and her husband, Michael (St Louis, MO); her foreign exchange children Mika (Finland), Jaana (Finland), and Minaka (Japan). They also enjoyed traveling to visit their grandchildren Kristin Rath and her husband Kendall, Joseph Rath, Isaac Rath, Sarah Rath; Austin Hope, and Kellen Hope.  They cherished the memory of their granddaughter Maria Hope with a golden star on every family photo

She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 60 years, Hans; granddaughter Maria; her parents; sisters Edna and her husband Lewis Spitz, Jennie and her husband Marvin; and brother Carl.  She will be remembered fondly as a very dear Aunt by her many nieces and nephews.

Her family will cherish the memories of her constant caring for each and every one of us— through wonderful meals and yearly cards in the mail celebrating birthdays, baptisms, and holidays.  She always sent us home from visits with a bag of Chex-Mix and a couple loaves of Finnish Coffee Bread!

Services will be held at Canton Lutheran Church Bethlehem Chapel on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.  Family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service.

Memorials can be sent to the Nebraska Foundation, Dr and Mrs. Hans and Betty Rath Anatomy Scholarship, or a favorite charity of your choice in Betty’s name.  Plant a tree or some roses, play some music, and enjoy all that is beautiful in life.

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11 messages have been left

  1. Janice and Greg Ritter on September 13, 2022 said:

    I am glad to spend whatever time we could with Aunt Betty. She will be remembered fondly by us.

  2. Mark Berner on September 14, 2022 said:

    Dan, I’m sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. I certainly remember your mom and dad during our youth at Pacific Hills. They were both respected and admirable people. It was great catching up with you a couple of weeks ago! Best wishes to you and the Rath clan. MB

  3. Tami Rikansrud on September 14, 2022 said:

    Rath family, you have my sympathy & I’m thinking of you. She was such a wonderful lady.

  4. Linda F Van Engen on September 14, 2022 said:

    Dr.Rath,Dr,Watson and family, our sympathy to all of you.Wil and Linda Van Engen

  5. Jaclyn Schaap/Kristin Reiffenberger on September 15, 2022 said:

    Dan, So sorry for you and your family’s loss. Your mother seemed like she lived life to the fullest and was an extraordinary woman. Reading the comments about her family and foreign exchange children we can she was certainly a cherished mother/grandmother to many. May her gifts and talents be gleaned from each of you and may you have many fond memories that bring you comfort.

  6. Kathy Brashear on September 15, 2022 said:

    Dan, Heidi and families,
    We are saddened in knowing that you are experiencing the grief and sorrow of death, yet we rejoice with you in knowing that your mother now possesses the fullness of all that God promises to those who are His in Christ. We were blessed to know and enjoy your mother for many years at Pacific Hills! Many fond memories of the two of you, as well! ~ Kermit and Kathy Brashear

  7. Juliet mikeworth on September 15, 2022 said:

    Dan,Heidi and family we cherish all the memories of your mom,a humble servant her love will continue for many more years to come,you are in our thoughts and prayers,juliet David and the boys.

  8. Doug Packard on September 15, 2022 said:

    Sharon and I wish to extend our most sincere sympathy. Your mother always made me feel welcome when I would come visit you at your house. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  9. Julie Jervik on September 19, 2022 said:

    Dan and Mary and family – thinking of your family and our deepest sympathies to you. Lane & Julie Jervik

  10. Jan Attema on September 27, 2022 said:

    Dan, I just heard of your mom’s passing and I want to express my sympathy to you and Mary and your whole family. She sounds like a great lady! Treasure the memories.

  11. Cheryl Finney on November 2, 2022 said:

    How I loved your mom’s sweet smile and her dedication to Dr. Hans . She was so loved by your dad. I was privileged to know them both. My condolences to your family, Cheryl Finney , caregiver for Home Instead.