Obituaries

June 9, 1930 to July 21, 2015

WINAMAC - Joan G. "Joie" Rater, 85, of Winamac, passed away at 1:15 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, at Hickory Creek, Winamac, with her family by her side.

She was born June 9, 1930 in Star City, to the late Herald F. "Hap" and Gertrude R. Shultz Ruff. On July 29, 1978, she married John Andrew. "Jack" Rater, who preceded her in death on Aug. 9, 1986.

Survivors include:

Otto J. (Donna) Ruff, Star City, Brother & Sister-in-law
Nancy M. Ruff, Star City, Sister
Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins
Ann Cowger, Step-Daughter
Minnie Ledford, Step-Daughter
Bill Rater, Step-Son
Many Step-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Harold F. Schmicker, Infant Son
Rosemary (Albert) Weaver, Sister & Brother-in-law
Margery A. (Eugene) Penn, Sister & Brother-in-law
Harold F. (Lois) Ruff, Jr., Brother & Sister-in-law
Gertrude Smirniotis, Step-Daughter
John Rater, Step-Son
Robert Rater, Step-Son

Mrs. Rater had been a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. She loved cats and kittens, especially her own Johnny Cakes. She was an avid gardener and was very generous to give away her produce. She enjoyed shopping at Good Samaritan and Bailey's Supercenter, going to garage/yard sales, and playing BINGO at the VFW in Winamac. Halloween was a special holiday to her - she was known to spoil the neighborhood kids with money, soda, and candy. In the short time she lived at Hickory Creek, she made many dear friends and will be missed by the residents and staff. Her family thanks Hickory Creek for their special care and concern. Mrs. r had a great sense of humor and was a very sweet lady. She was a loving sister and aunt. She leaves behind many good memories.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Friday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Friday, July 24), at the funeral home with Rev. Bert Woolson officiating. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to Hickory Creek or Good Samaritan .

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.