Daughter of Charles Raymond and Doris Elizabeth Gammon Cates Miriam Lee Rasch, 64, Ava, passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006, in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield.
She was born Nov. 28, 1941, in Memphis, Tenn., the daughter of Charles Raymond and Doris Elizabeth (Gammon) Cates. On Dec. 9, 1961, she was united in marriage to James Donald Rasch.
Miriam’s life was characterized by compassion, sensitivity, love and a caring and giving spirit. She was a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother, and a faithful Christian. Her church membership was in Rugby Hills Baptist Church of Memphis, Tenn., but she presently attended Goodhope General Baptist Church of Ava. Miriam also enjoyed cooking, family time and traveling.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by husband Jim Rasch; one son, Donny Rasch and wife, Josie, of Ava; four daughters, Yvonne Dilley and husband Wayne, of Ava, Virginia “Gen” Giles and husband, Dugan, of Ellsinore, Lynn Watson and husband, Larry, of Norwich, Ohio, and Sheila Bunch and husband, Kevin, of Blue Springs; two sisters, Ida Mae Miller and husband, Ronald, of Millington, Tenn., and Charleen King and husband, Bud, of Batesville, Miss.; two brothers, Charles Cates, Cold Water, Miss., and Maurice Cates and wife, Cheryl, of Alapaha, Ga.; a dear cousin, Gen Caldwell, of Memphis, Tenn.; 15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and caring friends.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, in Goodhope General Baptist Church in Ava under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ava, with the Rev. Bob Huskey officiating. Burial followed in Ava Cemetery.
