Rabeth Shank Loftus

Rabeth Shank Loftus, age 80, passed away on October 15, 2024. She was born on May 26, 1944, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to the late Joseph and Rachel Shank. As a child, Rabeth moved to Toledo, Ohio, where she grew up. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

In Atlanta, Georgia, she met the love of her life, Jack Loftus, and they married in 1968. Together, they moved to Scarsdale, New York, where they raised their two daughters, Rachel and Clare. Rabeth was mostly a stay at home mom who also worked as a middle school substitute teacher. When Rabeth was a young adult, she pursued acting, appearing in stage productions as well as commercials, even appearing on a soap opera. Later she would go on to bring this passion to her community by directing plays and musicals through the church theater and local schools. She organized a local drama club for middle and high school kids, inspiring a new generation of theater lovers. Her creativity extended beyond the classroom—she loved sewing and quilting, decorating and gardening.

Rabeth was vivacious and vibrant, gregarious and kind, viewing friends as family. She was delighted by and devoted to the role of Mimi to her five plus two grandchildren. She loved to host friends and family, opening her home and her heart in all ways. She welcomed everyone with warmth and generosity, always making sure hers was a home away from home. She loved traveling, reading, and shopping for a bargain, passions she shared with her family and friends.

In 2006, Rabeth and Jack moved to the Country Club of the South in Johns Creek, Georgia, to be closer to family.

Rabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Loftus. She is survived by her daughters, Rachel Barthlow (Bill) and Clare Delmastro (Judd Frank); her treasured grandchildren, Joseph, Jane, Drew, Adam, Austin, Jacob, and Coleman; a special friend who was like a daughter, Brandy Cooks, and her son Nathaniel; and her sister, Judie Vinzant.

A celebration of Rabeth’s life will be on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 2:00PM in the chapel of Roswell Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Rabeth will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband at Green Lawn Cemetery, Roswell, GA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory to the American Brain Foundation, https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/

Rabeth's kindness, vivacity, and boundless love for her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.