Arlene Janette Rath

Ms. Rath, 87, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2020, at Parkview North Hospital after receiving excellent care at Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne the past four years. The daughter of the late William (Edgar) and Alice (Cameron) Magee, Ms. Rath grew up on a farm in Tappen, North Dakota. The oldest of five children, she helped raise four siblings when their mother passed away when she was only 15 years old. She took her little sister to stay with her at a boarding house during the week while finishing high school in the nearby town. She would go home on weekends to do the cooking, cleaning, and laundry for the following week. Ms. Rath was married to Roy Rath of Pettibone, North

Dakota, for almost 25 years, and they lived in New Haven, Indiana, where they raised their three children, Venus (Ross) Gick of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Roger Rath of New Haven, Indiana, and Gayle Slone of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ms. Rath worked for Park Center for 26 years, retiring in 2009. She defeated colon cancer in 2003 and survived a stroke in 2013. She is most remembered for her love of her family and great sense of humor. She was cracking jokes and laughing even on her last day on earth. In a word, Arlene Rath was a remarkable woman. She is survived by her sister, Kay Flaugher

of Florida, and a brother, Fred (Erma) Magee of South Dakota; half-brother Colin (Nancy) Magee of North Dakota, half-brother Steve Magee (Steve Wellman) of Illinois, and step-sister Carol (Ervin) Barnick of Colorado; her three children; eight grandchildren, Ryan (Heather) Gick, Carrie (Blue) Davis, Brandon Gick, and Travis (Amy) Gick; Erin Slone, Andrew Slone, Amber Slone, and Aurra Tomei; nine great-grandchildren, Cionna, Jayden, Carielle, and Aniya Freeman, Hudson and Harper Davis, Zaedyn Hill, Mila Slone, and Zoe Colley; special nephew Shaun (Wendy) Flaugher, special nieces Karene (Scott) Smith and Kay Lynn (Wayne) Herrington, as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Ms. Rath was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Frieda Magee, brother Keith Magee, brother-in-law Gerald Flaugher, and a great-

granddaughter, Ellie Patten-Slone. Private services were held at Advantage Funeral Home, with the Reverend William Smith of Resurrection Lutheran Church officiating. Ms. Rath was laid to rest at Highland Park Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to Matthew 25 Health Clinic, Fort Wayne, Indiana; Shepherd’s House, Fort Wayne, Indiana; Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne; and Indiana’s Run for Fallen Heroes.

Following is a beautiful tribute to Arlene Rath written by her daughter, Gayle.

God took the beauty of the sea and put it in those eyes of green..a heart of gold all filled with love..truly sent from heaven above! A daughter, sister, mother, best friend..the list goes on and never ends! And as the family grows and grows..an aunt..grandmother, great-grandmother..more strength and guidance you always showed! Always there to dry our tears..whether sad or laughing or taking away our fears..a constant rock and the family glue..seems EVERYONE always came to you! To let you go from this earthly home is way too hard but now in Heaven you roam! Life will truly be different without you around..God took your hand without making a sound. You will always be with us until our end..and be there to greet us when we join you again! LOVE YOU MORE! And ..I LOVE YOU MORE MORE! Rest in Peace, Mommy..I know you are in the Little White House on the Prairie!