Ashley, N.D. - Funeral service for Arlyss Janice Dockter, 69, of Ashley will be Thursday, Nov. 11, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at Ashley. Visitation will be Wednesday from noon-6 p.m. at the funeral home and for one hour prior to the service at the church. She died Sunday, Nov. 7th at the Ashley Medical Center. Arlyss Janice Rath, daughter of Christ and Emma (Neuharth) Rath was born Oct. 8, 1935, at Leola, S.D. She attended country school. She was united in marriage to Milbert Milo Dockter on July 10, 1955, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Aberdeen. They made their first home at Fort Campbell, Ky. until May of 1956 when Milbert was discharged from the military. They returned to farm with Milbert's parents on a farm 12 miles northeast of Long Lake. In 1973, they moved to Ashley and went into business with Blumhardt Manufacturing for 10 years. She also worked in the Healing Hands Health Clinic as a massage therapist for three years under the direction of Anna Rath in the late 1970s. They continued to farm until 1986. During that time they did no till seeding for Pro Ag Supply of Aberdeen. They retired from farming and Arlyss became employed at the Ashley Medical Center for five years and then with the Ashley Public Schools in the lunch program for five years. She retired due to Milbert's illness. Arlyss enjoyed yard work and flower gardening. She looked forward to seeing her friends and playing cards. But for everyone that knew her, it was very obvious that her greatest joy in life was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Their Saturday morning coffee time was the highlight of her week. Survivors include three daughters, Deborah Haux, Rhonda (Leon) Piatz and Teresa (Todd) Dockter, all of Ashley, two sisters, Darlene (Wilbert) Schilling of Burlington, Wis. and Marie (Dallas) Johnson of Liberty Lake, Wash., one brother, Ron (Tina) Rath of Fayetteville, N.C. and seven grandchildren. Her parents, husband, one grandson and one infant sister preceded her in death. Carlsen Funeral Home of Ashley have been entrusted with arrangements.
Published in the Aberdeen News on 11/10/2004.