Sherri Rath

De Forest - Sherri Lynn Rath, age 60, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at her home in De Forest.

My life's journey started with loving parents, Delores and Russell Bennett and Grandmother Laura. They helped me become a strong woman of faith and love, and I owe everything I am to them. We grew up as a family of three brothers and two sisters, most of us working in our family grocery store and restaurant in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Although now miles separate us, we are one family with a love that continues to be so very strong. Dick is resilient and compassionate, Roger is a wonderful family man and lover of great music, and Randy is strong, fun-loving and a joy. Sue is my sister, the one I truly admire because she has all the great traits that all of us embody. We have had so much fun together! Bennett Golf Outings; my oh my, what can I say? You all know. This family has given me so much joy, along with so many wonderful nieces and nephews. You are our future. Be passionate about everything you do.

Frank and I moved to Elkhart Lake and between the home we lived in and an adjoining vacant lot, we found Cocktail Lane. I think we wore a path between Ronnie and Larry's home over the years. Ronnie and Larry, our lifetime friends, became our sister and our brother. Ronnie taught me how to tie lures and how to fish. We sure have had fun fishing in the weeds and getting our tackle caught in the branches, but we beat the odds and caught a lot of crappies and bass. Thank you for the special times we have shared! I really can't begin to express what your friendship has meant to us. I love you both.

Bonnie and Jerry and our adventures; no matter if we fish, hike, canoe, or take some side trips along the way, Bonnie and Jerry have always been there to find a wonderful hidden path. We've explored, we've had fun! Bonnie and Julie will remember our "spoon" games and Jerry and Frank can probably remember the laughter floating all the way down to the lake as we came out of the cabin. My fondest memories are those spent up north with you.

We moved to DeForest and met Julie and Bryan. You are two of the most special people I will ever know. Julie has been my spiritual inspiration and Bryan has always been there for me with such heart. I will cherish the times we've spent hiking the bluffs and going for walks and talking for hours. I love you dearly.

I joined Clack Corporation about thirty years ago, and I have enjoyed every day working with all of you. You are a family of support. Thank you for the opportunity to get a job done well and having so much fun doing it. Everything is happy when you play as a team.

Gregory, you walked with me hand-in-hand until you were almost thirteen. What can I say except that I love that we share a bond of the heart and we have had so many wonderful adventures. I am so proud of the man and father you have become. You are the embodiment of laughter, fun, and contemplation. You get me through the day just knowing you are there. I love how you and Dad can talk sports for hours and hours and hours.

Laura, you are my heart. When you were little, and I went into your room, there was always a smile on your face. You were usually jumping up and down in your crib, looking for an adventure for the day. Those memories still make me smile with joy. I am so proud of you for the woman you are becoming and for going back to school. You have taught me so much about myself. I see so much through your eyes. Laura, most importantly, you are the most amazing mother. For that, I am so happy and grateful.

Aiden, you are my super hero! We always find some way to have a blast. From swimming and splashing to treasure hunts, you are my partner in good times, and you warm my heart.

Chloe, I like to sing, I like to dance, I like to bake with Chloe. I like to flirt, I like to fly, I like to play with Chloe! You bring a wonderful joyfulness to me! I cherish you, little girl.

Mazie, just a little bit of me and a whole lot of you makes us special in God's eyes! That beautiful smile and amazing personality fill me with love.

Frank my love, my forever friend, my everything, I look into your eyes and all I see is your love. We have built a wonderful life together, and I love you with all my heart. You make every day a beautiful day!

My darlings, let the warmth of my love for you capture your hearts. That is where I am any time you need me - in your hearts.

Sherri is survived by, among other, her husband of 33 years, Frank Rath; children, Gregory Rath and Laura Rath; grandchildren, Aiden Ama, Chloe Johnson, and Mazie Rath, siblings, Richard Bennett, Roger (Mary) Bennett, Randy (Lisa) Bennett, Sue (John) Amerman; and many nieces and nephews.

Sherri was preceded in death by her mother, Delores (Lauer) Bennett, grandmother, Laura Lauer, father, Russell Bennett, and step-mother, Marilyn Bennett.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 221 Columbus St., Sun Prairie, on Saturday, November 25, 2017, at 12:00 noon with Monsignor Duane Moellenberndt presiding. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, on Friday, November 24, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

I think that continuing education plays a significant role in our children's lives and gives them the confidence to be successful. In lieu of flowers to celebrate this wonderful life I have had, please contribute to my grandchildren's education fund. A check can be made out to Frank Rath, and all proceeds will be put into a special fund for Aiden, Chloe, and Mazie.

Thank you for the nurses and doctors that took such loving care of me. You know who you are. Special thank you to Ula our in-home care giver, Heartland Hospice, Bright Star, St. Mary's Hospital, and Turville Bay

Dear Lord, wrap your loving arms around my family and friends. Mother Mary, watch over them and fill them with your love.
Sherri Lynn Rath

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie
(608) 837-9054