Bernice Ellen Rath (Heck-Kehrer)

Bernice Ellen Rath (Heck-Kehrer), 94 yrs, of Monroe, MI, died Thursday March 30, 2023, in ProMedica Monroe Hospital. Friends may call at the Capaul Funeral Home, Ida, MI, Wednesday April 5, 2023, from 2-8PM. All other services are private.

Born February 14, 1929, in Monroe, MI, Bernice was the daughter of Herbert and Marcella (Doyle) Heck. She attended Heck Elementary and Monroe High School. She married Norman Kehrer on November 1, 1947, in Mt. Morris, MI. Norman died September 3, 1952. She then married Theodore “Ted” Rath on January 2, 1954, in Ida, MI. Ted died March 2, 2014. Bernice was a homemaker and a farmer’s wife. She was a founding member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, lifetime member of the Monroe County Fair and Monroe County 4H. She loved being a mom, puzzles, canning, cooking and was the “only one who could make the gravy”.

Survivors include: her children, Kathryn (Ron) Iott, Karl (Donna) Rath, Kay (Dave) Ringel, Kevin (Brenda) Rath; 19 grandchildren, 3 which she raised, Israel, Amber, Andrea; 37 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, children, Kris, Kenneth, Karen and five siblings.

Memorial contributions can be made to: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, The Wounded Warrior Project or the Monroe County 4H.