1920
Rae
2012
Rae Ginther
July 12, 1920 — September 12, 2012
Rae A. Ginther passed away peacefully at the Teton Nursing Home in Choteau, Tuesday, Sept. 12, with family at his side. At age 92, he had lived a full life, dedicated to his church, community, and family.
Rae was born July 12, 1920 to Ernest and Lola (Burton) Ginther at their home near Bartley, Nebraska. At age 9, he moved with his family to their new farm on Redwater near Richey, Montana. It was there he met his childhood sweetheart, Grace Shirk, who he married on August 16, 1942. The next year, they moved to the Choteau area to be near to his folks and in 1944, they filed on a homestead near Augusta where they built a home and family.
In 1952, Rae became a Lay Pastor in the Methodist Church, serving full time; first in the Moore, Buffalo, Judith Gap parish for 6 years, then in the Culbertson and Bainville parish for 4 years. During those last 4 years, he also managed the Methodist Church camp at Kings Hill in the summertime, where Grace was the head cook. In 1962, he brought his family back to the farm near Augusta and he continued to serve as a part time pastor in Lincoln, and later in Simms and Sun River. He continued to farm and joined with his brother, Keith, who had taken over the family farm nearby. Rae and Grace "retired" to Choteau in 1989, though he continued to fill in as a pastor at many churches in the area, and later served full time pastor in Richey for 4 years. All the while, Rae and Grace took on many active rolls in the Methodist Church and the community.
Rae's life centered around his farm, his church, and his family. He was a gentle and thoughtful man, highly respected in each community where he lived. Many lives were touched by his compassion and concern for others. Rae was a humble man who shared his love of God with all he met, feeling deeply each person's pain and joys.
Rae was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Grace; daughter, Darlene (Gilmore); Grandson, Luke; and 4 Great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers, Keith Ginther of Choteau, MT and Burton Ginther of Fairfield, MT; sister, Norma Sangray of East Glacier, MT; children, Betty Geier of Terrace, B.C. Canada, Mary Sikes of Deer Park, CA, Charlie Ginther of Silverdale, WA, and Stan Ginther of Stevensville, MT; 15 Grandchildren; 30 Great-grandchildren; and 11 Great-great-grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Choteau United Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 19 at 2:30 with a gathering after in the Church Hall. Gorder Jensen Funeral Home has arranged for the cremation. Online condolences and pictures of Rae's life can be shared on their website: www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com . The family will spread Rae's ashes, to join Grace's, on the hill overlooking their homestead. Memorials may be sent to the Intermountain Children's Home, 1005 Partridge Place, Helena MT, 59602 or to the church of your choice. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Teton Nursing Home who gave Rae the utmost care.
From Rae's Children:
Rae was born July 12, 1920 to Ernest and Lola (Burton) Ginther at their home near Bartley, Nebraska. At age 9, he moved with his family to their new farm on Redwater near Richey, Montana. It was there he met his childhood sweetheart, Grace Shirk, who he married on August 16, 1942. The next year, they moved to the Choteau area to be near to his folks and in 1944, they filed on a homestead near Augusta where they built a home and family.
In 1952, Rae became a Lay Pastor in the Methodist Church, serving full time; first in the Moore, Buffalo, Judith Gap parish for 6 years, then in the Culbertson and Bainville parish for 4 years. During those last 4 years, he also managed the Methodist Church camp at Kings Hill in the summertime, where Grace was the head cook. In 1962, he brought his family back to the farm near Augusta and he continued to serve as a part time pastor in Lincoln, and later in Simms and Sun River. He continued to farm and joined with his brother, Keith, who had taken over the family farm nearby. Rae and Grace "retired" to Choteau in 1989, though he continued to fill in as a pastor at many churches in the area, and later served full time pastor in Richey for 4 years. All the while, Rae and Grace took on many active rolls in the Methodist Church and the community.
Rae's life centered around his farm, his church, and his family. He was a gentle and thoughtful man, highly respected in each community where he lived. Many lives were touched by his compassion and concern for others. Rae was a humble man who shared his love of God with all he met, feeling deeply each person's pain and joys.
Rae was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Grace; daughter, Darlene (Gilmore); Grandson, Luke; and 4 Great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers, Keith Ginther of Choteau, MT and Burton Ginther of Fairfield, MT; sister, Norma Sangray of East Glacier, MT; children, Betty Geier of Terrace, B.C. Canada, Mary Sikes of Deer Park, CA, Charlie Ginther of Silverdale, WA, and Stan Ginther of Stevensville, MT; 15 Grandchildren; 30 Great-grandchildren; and 11 Great-great-grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Choteau United Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 19 at 2:30 with a gathering after in the Church Hall. Gorder Jensen Funeral Home has arranged for the cremation. Online condolences and pictures of Rae's life can be shared on their website: www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com . The family will spread Rae's ashes, to join Grace's, on the hill overlooking their homestead. Memorials may be sent to the Intermountain Children's Home, 1005 Partridge Place, Helena MT, 59602 or to the church of your choice. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Teton Nursing Home who gave Rae the utmost care.
From Rae's Children:
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