Martha Hermine Rather

Martha (Marty) Boschker Rather passed away on January 2, 2026 after a brief illness. She is survived by her beloved husband, Billy Rather, two first cousins, Janet Hohman and Marilyn Boschker, friend from childhood, Jane Bridenstein and countless friends from around the world. She was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Boschker and her mother, Martha Herminer Boschker.

Marty was born on February 9, 1949 in Mobridge, South Dakota, where she attended Mobridge High School. After graduating, she attended Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD and the University of New Mexico, graduating with a BFA degree in Fine Arts. It was in Albuquerque, NM that she met her future husband, Billy Rather, who owned one of the first vegetarian restaurants in New Mexico, Mother Nature and Son. Marty and Billy married on March 13, 1981, and as a couple they advocated for healthy eating and a healthy balanced lifestyle.

Marty and Billy were very active in their church, Self Realization Fellowship (SRF) and Marty held many offices in the Managing Council of the Nashville Meditation Group of SRF. Her interest in meditation, fine arts, metaphysics and travel led her to many trips to India. She was an instructor in Healing Touch, a gentle, energy-based therapy that uses near-body hand movements to balance the body's energy system, promoting relaxation, reducing pain and anxiety, and supporting the mind, body, and spirit's natural healing abilities. She led trainings in Healing Touch in India and the U.S., and led pilgrimages to holy sites all over India. Her interest and skill in knitting and textiles led to creating works of art that she often gifted to others. Another art that she loved was music and she had a wonderful collection of instruments from around the world. She volunteered as a videographer for a Nashville music program, Backstage Nashville, and enjoyed hearing great songwriters and meeting music fans from around the world.

Marty’s love of nature, people, and her spiritual journey were the center of her life. She will be dearly missed by her friends and loved ones.

The Memorial Service for Marty will be held Saturday, Feb. 7th, 3:00 P.M., First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville, 1808 Woodmont Blvd., Nashville TN 37215, followed by refreshments in the Fellowship Hall.