Betty Rather

Betty Rather was granted her angel wings April 18,2023 at the age of 93. Her final days were spent at home surrounded by family and friends. Betty enjoyed a rich and productive life full of love, fun, friends, travel and community service and she leaves a legacy to all who knew her on how to live.

Born December 8, 1929, Betty was the oldest and big sister to six brothers, whom she helped raise. She grew up close to her cousins and friends in the small town of Jefferson Iowa, graduating from Jefferson High. As a young teen Betty met the love of her life Phil Rather. They married June 11,1949 and were married 57 years until Phil's death.

Betty began working at an early age as a waitress and secretary, later attending clerical school. The couple moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where she was employed by KRNT and supported their family as Phil attended Drake University. This was a fun time in the young couple's life with friends from KRNT as they both worked at the television/ radio station. Daughters Kathy and Sarah were born in Des Moines.

In 1958 they moved to Wenatchee Washington purchasing their first Radio Station in partnership with friends and co-workers from KRNT. In Wenache their son Philip Jr. was born. This was a happy time for Betty, busy with small children and working to support their business.

In 1963 the family moved to Watsonville after purchasing KOMY radio. Watsonville became her home for the next 60 years. In Watsonville their youngest Amy Jane was born. Alongside her husband Phil, Betty helped manage KOMY as the Office Manager and when the station was sold they retired together.

In her commitment to community Betty served on numerous organizational boards including: United Fund of Pajaro Valley, Green Valley Apartments, the YWCA, the Pajaro Valley Women's Shelter and the Soroptimists Club. She knew that these efforts required resources and was always an active participant in fundraising. It would be hard to find anyone in Watsonville that has sold any more tickets for charity fundraising and events than she did. The family loves to brag that the famous Lemon Meringue pies she baked for the Soroptimists auctions that sold for as high as $1,000 each. Betty was awarded Woman of the Year in 1984 for her service to the greater Watsonville community.

Betty and Phil enjoyed exciting trips to Europe, China and throughout the United States. After her husband's death she continued to travel with friends and family, with her favorite being the annual family trips to Lake Tahoe.

Her greatest love was her family. She was a gentle and patient mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was ever present and a loving listener offering unwavering support.

Betty will be held in loving memory by brother Gary Keith, her daughters Kathy Lathrop (Richard), Sarah Rather, Amy Rather (Patrick), grandchildren Lorna Joiner, Abe Lathrop, Emily Lathrop, and Christian Lyskoski, great grandsons Jeremy Dublin, Gary Phllip Joiner, Kavari Fore, Presli, Dylan and Ziggy Lyskoski and great-greats Carol and Allen Dublin. She was an important part of all of our lives.

She was preceded in death by her mother LaVaun Keith, husband Phil Rather, her son Phillip, her five brothers and many dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held at the First United Methodist Church Stanford Street in Watsonville May 13, 2023 at 10 am, with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Soroptimists Club of Watsonville, P.O. Box 442 Watsonville, CA 95077; or the Pajaro Valley Women's Shelter, 115 Brennan St., Watsonville 95076.

Rest in peace sweet soul. We will miss you.

Published in The Pajaronian · April 27, 2023