Longtime Mount Hermon resident Irene Puolakka Johnson Rathe died of congestive heart failure Nov. 23, surrounded by her family. A celebration of her life is planned this weekend in Felton.
Born in Duluth, Minn. Mrs. Rathe lived 11 years in Nashwauk, Minn., with her widowed mother and siblings before the family returned to her native city. She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1944.
After a three-year courtship, Ronald Ellsworth Rathe proposed during a World War II leave, and following his discharge from the U.S. Navy, they married in 1946.
At 25 years old, Mrs. Rathe became a member of First Presbyterian Church in Duluth, where she was heavily involved in Christian ministry.
In 1974, the Rathes moved to California and built their home at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, where Mrs. Rathe worked 18 years on staff in the Mount Hermon dining room. She also worked six years as a teacher’s aide at San Lorenzo Elementary School.
She was the church librarian for 35 years at Felton Bible Church, where she also sang in the choir, worked with Cubbies in the Awana program and was active in Women’s Ministries, mentoring and Bible study.
Mrs. Rathe was known by family and friends as a skilled cook and was known for her cinnamon rolls and Christmas tree bread.
Mrs. Rathe is survived by her children, Linda Beck of Wilmington, N.C., Christine (Kitty) Rathe-Iwamoto of Honolulu, Hawaii, the Rev. Mark Rathe of Fillmore, Mary Ann Dwyer of Felton, Annetta Rathe of Mount Hermon and Grace Rathe of Aptos; sister, Peggy Hill of Duluth, Minn.; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; an aunt and several nieces and nephews.
One grandson preceded her in death.
Following a private burial, a service to celebrate Mrs. Rathe’s life will begin at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at Felton Bible Church, 5999 Graham Hill Road. Santa Cruz Memorial will handle arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be sent to Felton Bible Church, 5999 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA 95018; to the Mount Hermon Campership Fund, 37 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon, CA 95041; or to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.
