Saretta Rathgeber, age 79, died at Springhill, FL on August 2, 2014 of natural causes.
Born September 18, 1934 in Orchard Park, NY, Saretta resided in Brooksville, FL; Sebastian, FL; Fredonia, NY; Ballston Spa, NY, Cortland, NY and Orchard Park, NY and worked as an educator until retiring in 1993. She graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health, and earned her Masters degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Fredonia with a certification in Special Education.
In 2006, SUNY Cortland recognized Saretta as a pioneer in women's athletics. She began her career at Iroquois Central School in Elma, NY where she met her husband Don who was the band and orchestra director there. During here years as an educator, she coached both men's and women's competitive swimming at Iroquois, Fredonia and Brocton High Schools. She was also one of the founders of the Chautauqua County YMCA synchronized swimming team.
Saretta had a special interest in the creative arts with diverse mediums as an accomplished decorative painter and enjoyed participating in various forms of folk art. In her retirement she was enthusiastically involved in various community activities, including painting, sewing, crafts and was an avid bridge player.
Survivors include husband Don of Brooksville, FL; daughter Lisa Bobotas of Wiesbaden, Germany; granddaughters Alexa Bobotas of Virginia Beach, VA and Stephanie Bobotas of Dallas, TX; daughter Elizabeth and son-in-law Brad Cors, grandson Ben Cors and granddaughter Annie Cors of Wooster, OH; son, Gus Rathgeber and wife Beth of Vista, CA; grandchildren Abby Rathgeber of Fort Worth, TX, Emmy Rathgeber of Melbourne, FL; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren of the McGahey family in Florida.
Saretta was preceded in death by father James Pattison and mother Sally Pattison of Orchard Park, NY.
The funeral service will be held Friday, August 8, 2014 at 1:00 PM at F E Brown Sons Funeral Home, 6575 E. Quaker St Orchard Park, NY. Viewing will be open at 12:00 Noon for friends to pay their respects. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, 4443 S. Buffalo St, Orchard Park, NY, immediately following the service.
Her family respectfully requests any memorial contributions are made in her name to a charity of your choosing.
By the Observer
