George P. Raths passed away the evening of July 3. As a lifelong cattleman and industry leader, he is no doubt organizing the crew and once again riding alongside the herd in heaven. George was born April 29, 1923 to Nicholas J. and Katherine (Allmaras) Raths at Roundup, Montana. George attended country schools and had many fond memories of his classmates and teachers. He graduated from Roundup High School and attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He returned to the family ranch during the war. He and his brother Nick later purchased the ranch from his parents. He married Marie Rediske, also from Roundup, on August 10, 1947. They had eight children and were proud of them and grateful for helping hands on the ranch. George and his brother decided to go separate directions, so he left the family ranch. He and Marie went on to purchase several ranches and build a beautiful ranching operation. George lost his best friend and loving partner when Marie passed away in 1986.
George was passionate about ranching and preserving his heritage. He was an active as a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association serving as a local president, Montana Board of Directors, and then President in 1980. During his term as President, he participated in many NCBA events, including lobbying in Washington D.C. He was a founding member of the National Public Lands Council as well as the Montana Public Lands Council. He was chairman of the Montana Public Lands Council and President of the Association of State Grazing Districts. George testified many times at the state legislature on behalf of his organizations. He and Marie formed many lifelong friendships with members of those organizations. He was a long time member and chairman of the Roundup School Board. George was also a faithful member of the parish at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Roundup.
He is survived by his children, Sally (Dr. Rick) Race; Dr. Dick (Nancy) Raths; Jim Raths; Jane (Bob) Wertheimer; Greg (Rebecca) Raths; Jeff (Bea) Raths; Barbara (Wes) Oja; 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Vandeberg, and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Curry, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Zita Murphy; Ena O’Boyle; Katherine Dorris, and brothers, Joe Raths; Phil Raths; Nick Raths, and two infant siblings. His daughter Virgina Kinsey also preceded him in death.
Thank you to the staff at the Vista for all the love and care you gave George in his final years. The memorial services will be held at St. Benedicts’s Church in Roundup, Montana on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 10:30am. Following the funeral there will be fellowship gathering at the Church. Then George will be buried on his No Sweat Ranch in the Snowy Mountains alongside of Marie and his daughter, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Montana Stockgrowers’ Research, Education and Endowment Fund, or a charity of your choice. Wier Funeral Home in Roundup, MT is in charge of arrangements.
Source: The Family of George P. Raths
Posted by Haylie Shipp
