Shirley Ann Rath

Shirley Ann Rath, 68, Grand Forks, ND died Thursday, July 7, 2011 in Grand Forks. Shirley Ann Hirneisen was born September 17, 1942 in Ephrata, PA. She was raised and educated in Ephrata and graduated from high school there in 1960. She graduated from Empire Beauty School in Reading, PA in 1961. Shirley met Lloyd Rath in Hawaii. They were married September 22, 1963 in Pennsylvania. They moved to Grand Forks in 1977. Shirley worked for the Ramada Inn for 5 years, then as the catering and conference director for the Town House Motor Inn until her retirement. She later worked for the Community Violence Intervention Center. Shirley and Lloyd also opened their home to many foster children over the years. Shirley enjoyed her crafts and was a talented artist and painter. She led a Bible study for many years in which many dear friendships were nurtured with her sisters in Christ. She enjoyed traveling with Lloyd, especially to Medora where they worked as volunteers. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Lloyd, Grand Forks; children, Michael (Susan) Rath, Sacramento, CA, Mark Rath, Grand Forks, Markay (Warren) Roehl, Grand Forks, Alicia Rath, Grand Forks, and eleven grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Lucille and Deloris and by a grandson, Patrick.