Lyla Larayne Rath

Lyla LaRayne Rath, 76, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, from complications due to a recent cancer diagnosis.

Lyla was born on October 20, 1942 in Woodworth, ND, to Lyle and Geraldine (Jerry) Sandberg. She was raised and educated in Pettibone, ND, and graduated from Pettibone High School in 1960. Lyla then attended Sisters of St. Joseph School of Nursing and began her career as a Registered Nurse in 1963. On May 29, 1964, Lyla married Darold Rath at Pettibone, ND, and they moved to Grand Forks, ND. Their 48-year marriage was one of tremendous love, respect, and admiration for one another.

Lyla’s career in nursing involved work in area hospitals and clinics, and in starting up a local Diabetes Education Center, where she taught newly diagnosed patients how to manage their diabetes. She ended her career as the Cass County Jail Nurse, where she was both loved and feared by the inmates.

Family was Lyla’s greatest love. She was an extraordinary wife, mother, and grandmother, and was chosen to be Godmother eight times. She was the grand matriarch, planning and organizing all the family holidays and celebrations. She was a fabulous cook and baker and found great joy in making everyone’s favorites for family get togethers. Lyla was also the gatherer of her friends and neighbors in “the hood”, where she lived. She treasured her summers spent at Pelican Lake the most, with her beloved “lake family”. This summer would have marked her 47th year at the lake.

Lyla was a faithful servant to many. She was active in Hope Lutheran Church, serving in Stephen’s Ministry, attending Bible studies, and serving funeral lunches. She was a Comfort Cross ambassador, carrying several in her purse and car at all times to give to friends and strangers. She was a devoted caregiver to her mother, husband, daughter and son as they lived with cancer, and was a loving and supportive friend to all who knew her.

Lyla is survived by her daughter, Stephenie (Mark) Herbranson, of Moorhead; grandchildren, Rachel (Alex) Madlom, of West Fargo, and Matthew Herbranson of Moorhead; brother, Gerald (Karen) Sandberg; uncle Dellwyn (Carol) Clark of Jamestown, ND; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Darold; her son, Mitchell; her parents, Lyle and Jerry Sandberg; and her sister, Kathleen Hansen.

Memorials are preferred to Hope Lutheran Church Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, and Wellspring for the World.