Matthew Horace Rath

Matthew Horace Rath was born April 3, 1944, to Duane and Dora Rath (Hall) in Yale, Michigan. He attended Yale High School in Yale, Michigan, in 1962. He attended Spring Arbor College in 1964, where he met his love, Helen Kruscke, in chemistry class. They married in 1967. They had two beautiful daughters, whom he adored, Mary Rath Glidewell (Dewey) and Suzanne Rath Bussell (Bryan), who reside in North Carolina. He also has five wonderful grandsons, Paul Lince, Jason Lince, Benjamin Glidewell, Sam Bussell, and Jack Bussell. He also leaves behind his beloved older brother, Grant Rath of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Due to some unforeseen mental health challenges, their marriage ended in divorce in 1977. Matt spent time living in Saginaw, Michigan, and was employed by Eaton Corporation.
Matt had many hobbies and interests and loved to talk about "anything" to anyone who would listen, as he loved people. He was especially interested in trains, ham radios, US geography, and travel. In his early years, he loved growing plants, especially his favorite orchids. Matt was also an avid student of the Bible and loved God. He would daily be found sitting in his room in his recliner with his Bible open, sitting on his lap reading.
Due to his mental health challenges, Matt spent a large portion of his adult life in group and adult foster care homes. For the last twenty years, he resided with Wayne and Patti Pumford at Cornerstone Living Center in Hastings, Michigan, and then most recently at Carveth Village (3 years) in Middleville, Michigan.
Matt was a "jokester" and loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. Everyone who knew him enjoyed his quick wit, pleasant demeanor, and ready laugh. Wherever Matt resided, he brought with him kindness and unconditional love for all that were blessed to be able to call him friend.
Matt entered his final Eternal Home April 9, 2025. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Dorothy Rath and nephew, Arthur Rath. Memorial contributions in memory of Matt may be made to Carveth Village Memorial Fund, 690 W Main, Middleville, MI 49333. A small memorial service is being planned for a later date at Carveth Village. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.