Rethal Ann Degraw

Rethal Ann DeGraw, born June 15, 1929, has peacefully entered into eternity with her Savior, her first son ( Lee Edgar DeGraw), her first granddaughter (Britta Lee Livgren), her nephew and his father (Bradley John and Jr. Pruter) and her parents (Christy and Clara Christensen) on the eve of December 7, 2015.

Rethal Ann was born in Natoma, KS. – first child born to a wonderful father, Clarence (Christy) who was the town barber and mother, Clara who was a beautifully gifted woman of grace and music. They brought two more children into the world, Don Christensen and Kay Christensen (Pruter), who were Rethal Ann's beloved brother and sister. The family was surrounded by many of her maternal relatives, who had immigrated from Germany to settle promised land in Kansas. Rethal's paternal family lived close to Tescott, KS. which was a Danish settlement. There, in the small but thriving village of Natoma, the Christensen family grew together in much love and happiness.

Rethal Ann was sent to attend Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. to obtain an education in music in the fall of 1948. She had the voice of an angel and great instrumental talent. It was there that the hand of God seated her alphabetically in Bethany's chapel next to Edgar DeGraw, born March 4, 1922. He was a handsome and dashing young officer from New Jersey, who had decided to attend college in the Midwest on his return home from WWII. He swept her off of her feet and they married on March 27th, 1948.

Through their union, the couple brought three children into their world – Lee Edgar, Chris Henry and Roxanne E. DeGraw. Chris and Roxanne survive. Rethal Ann also was blessed with many nieces and nephews, the children of her brother and sister, all of whom she loved dearly. Her days on earth were spent loving and caring for those people who the Lord had placed in her loving care. Her life exuded happy fulfillment as a Christian wife, mother, sister and aunt.

Eventually Rethal was blessed with 5 grandchildren – Jacob Livgren, Britta Livgren, Jessica Livgren (Matheis), Paul and Terry DeGraw and 5 great-grandchildren, all of whom reveled in the splendor of Rethal's musical and artistic talent and who experienced more love than they would ever know elsewhere! Every child who spent time with Rethal gained an unfathomable treasure of her being, for she was never to busy to sit and spend time with a child. Whether she was reading to them, teaching them to paint, sing or play the piano, their time spent with her was a treat. All who knew her will always hold a glimmer of the light that shone from and through her!

Although Rethal Ann loved her family without measure, her first love was for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Her deep faith and love of the Lord and his church guided her throughout her life and those of all her family members. She took His command to "teach all nations" with utmost sincerity, respect and love of her Lord. Through her witness, many were brought into the fold to also spend eternity with their most precious Rethal Ann DeGraw.

Her life celebration will be held December 11, 2015 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3625 SW Wanamaker Rd. The family will hold visitation at the church at 10:00 A.M with the service to follow at 11:00 A.M. Rethal Ann will be cremated, with inurnment to follow in Natoma, KS. at a date yet undecided.