Nancy Louise Rathert
December 23, 2016
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Service Details
Nancy Louise Rathert, 85, died December 23, 2016 at Methodist Hospital. Services will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Ave. in Des Moines with visitation Thursday, December 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. and the funeral service on Friday, December 30 at 11:00 a.m.
Nancy was born July 15, 1931 in Des Moines, Iowa. Her parents were Paul and Virginia Holmes. She attended Elmwood, Callanan and Roosevelt High school, graduating in 1949. She enrolled at Drake University in the fall of 1949 where she met the love of her life, Harold Rathert. They were married on August 17, 1950 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.
Following their marriage, they moved to Gruver, Iowa where Harold would begin his career in education. Their daughter, Kathryn was born in Estherville, Iowa in 1952. From there they went to Indianola, Iowa where their son Keith was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1955. In 1956, the family moved to Des Moines where she resided until her death.
Nancy had several jobs during her working years and spent ten years at Drake University in the office of development. She was a 50 year member of Grace United Methodist Church, and also a member of PEO Chapter IZ. She enjoyed her bridge club, two book clubs, the Roosevelt group and neighbors and formed many long lasting friends in these groups. Nancy was a wonderful wife and mother, and she lovingly documented every occasion with photos and poems. She was the most gracious hostess and welcomed all to her home. Friends never left without homemade cookies and a hug and kiss. Nancy’s friends and family were her life’s work and greatest joy. The many family vacations to the UP of Michigan were among her most happy memories.
She was preceded in death by her children, Kathy Burtch and Keith Rathert; and her sister, Suzanne. Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Harold; son-in-law, Dean (Jody) Burtch of Windsor Heights; sister, Jacqueline (Joe) Williams of Johnston, IA; granddaughter, Tara (Mike) Lund; grandsons, Sean Rathert all of Denver, CO, and Eric (Penni) Rathert of West Des Moines; great-granddaughters, Sydney and Morgan Lund; two nephews and five nieces.
Memorial contributions in Nancy’s name may be made to the Des Moines Public Library, Grace United Methodist Church or the Good Life Fund at Scottish Rite Park. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Sharon Monferdini
01/08/2017
Dear Harold,
Louise Phillips and daughters Susan and Sharon send you our deepest sympathies. Our hearts are so sad with you Harold and we will miss Nancy terribly. Nancy was amazing in all that she did for others. We will always be grateful for all the help she gave us in assisting with mom. You both were wonderful neighbors at Scottish Rite for mom and dad and they enjoyed you very much. Nancy was always supportive, encouraging and always had a positive word to share. We enjoyed sharing talk about Hoover and the families we enjoyed there. Nancy kept such good track of people. We are thankful to have known her, she was such a blessing to us. You are continually in our thoughts and prayers Harold. Love to you.
Drue Cavanaugh
01/08/2017
Mr. Rathert, My sympathies to you and your family. I have a vase that Keith made and I taught your grandsons at Waukee. May you find comfort in memories and may His peace enfold you.
Tina Bulwan Slivon
12/30/2016
Dear Harold and all family and friends of Nancy, Nancy had the sweetest heart of all people, altho it was physically weak and had been broken, time and again. She remained kind and caring and always thinking of others till the end. I love Nancy and will miss her. I hope she is with her Kathy and Keith now and all her pain and anguish are gone. We must carry on without her now and make the best as she would want us to. Love from Tina.
Larry & Betty Martindale
12/29/2016
Dear Harold-Dean-Jacqueline and Family:
Betty and I were so saddened by the recent passing of your loving wife, Nancy. Words cannot fully describe and express the loss we are sure you feel and realize at this time. Nancy was such a source of upbeat positiveness and joy. She could always light up any room and everyone we know simply loved Nancy for her genuineness and her sincerity. When you were around Nancy, you just somehow felt appreciated and loved. You have been through so many good times and some sad times as well during your lives together. We all love you guys and know for certain that Nancy is no longer suffering but is now in heaven smiling down upon us all. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days that lie ahead.
Jerry and Marilynn Wadden
12/28/2016
Everyone who knew Nancy knows she was a bright, kind, talented, clever, and upbeat woman. She lived with the worst sadness when her two adult children died a few years apart, but she was able to learn to work through her grief and become a role model for others on how to survive unspeakable tragedy. Until a few weeks before her death, Nancy was still organizing luncheons and cooking dinner for family and friends--always the most gracious hostess. Nancy was a very special woman, and we will miss her.
Judy Seaver-Chamat
12/28/2016
Dear Harold and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and to your family in the passing of Nancy; she was a role model for all of us. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
"Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time." - Goethe
Judy Seaver-Chamat
Roosevelt High School, 1969
Harvey Lundy
12/28/2016
Dear Harold,
Greetings and sympathy from 1964 classmate at Berkeley ,CA when you wanted to get me tickets to the Republican Convention. Surprised to see your name. My wife died in June and I moved to an apartment. Retired in 1983.
Candace (Horn) Cox
12/27/2016
Dear Harold, I was so saddened to hear of Nancy's sudden passing and ever grateful my Mom and I had the afternoon together with you and Nancy two summers ago. She will always be part of my best memories growing up. We will all miss her. Love, Dogie Lee ....
Carol Pugsley
12/27/2016
My deep sympathy in your loss. I remember Nancy as a Mom at Meredith and Hoover and how she advocated our education and treated us very gently and kindly, giving a special value to our experience and schooling during these remarkable decades. I had the delight of seeing her recently and she was once again so tender and positive and optimistic. God bless you, Carol Pugsley
Nan Sexton
12/27/2016
Dear Harold and Family,
Our deepest sympathy for you in hearing of Nancy's passing. What a blessing she is in my mind and to so many others. Your grief must be so deep.
Our loss but Heaven's gain. Now she feels no pain or sorrow.
Our prayers for you and yours.
Sincerely in God's Love
Nan Sexton and Family
Carole Martin
12/26/2016
My sympathy to you Harold at this difficult time. It is so hard to lose a loved one. You're going to have to go way back in your memories of DM Public Schools. As the Science Guru you would stop by my first grade classroom at Adams to say hi. Of course the kids were all Gaga because of your height. I still remember the time I had to stay home with my young son because of pinkeye. It was the day before Memorial weekend and not being at school before a holiday was a no no. You called my house to see if I was really home!! You did love to cause trouble. Anyway I do have fond memories of you and wanted to say hi and express my sympathy to you and your family.
Jeff & Beth Boehlert
12/25/2016
Nancy epitomized kindness and grace in everything she did. She made this world a better place and will be missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with Harold, Tara, Dean and all those who knew and loved her. May she rest in the peace of Christ.