Myrna Rabe

Myrna L. Rabe, 83, of Anita, Iowa, passed away Friday, June 5, 2009, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Myrna Lowene Tibben was born on April 24, 1926, in Exira, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Edna (Luke) Tibben.

She attended Exira schools, graduating from Exira High School in 1943. After receiving Normal Training, Myrna taught country school until her marriage to J. Edward Rabe on December 8, 1946, at the Exira Christian Church. She then devoted her time to helping on the farm and caring for her three sons.

The couple farmed north of Audubon until 1960, when they moved into the town of Audubon. In 1964, they moved to a farm west of Anita. Myrna was employed in the transportation department at Walnut Grove in Atlantic, Iowa. Later she worked in the office at both the Anita and Stuart Sale Barns. After Ed's death she moved to her present home in Anita.

Myrna was a member of the Anita United Methodist Church and was an active member of the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the PEO, several informal quilting groups and served as a member of the Anita Library Board.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their school events, traveling, working in her flower garden, and quilting.

Myrna is survived by her sons, Randall (Marcia) Rabe of Anita, IA, Philip (Norma) Rabe of Anita, IA, and Michael (Maggie) Rabe of Papillion, NE; her grandchildren, Jessica Rabe of Mapleton, IA, Kathryn Rabe of Anita, IA, Jonathan Rabe of Omaha, NE, Shelly Rabe and her son Tristin of Papillion, NE; her sisters, Jeanne Nancarrow of Atlantic, IA, and Mardelle Nancarrow of Exira, IA; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, J. Edward Rabe; her sister, Gwen Davis; and her niece, Linda Nancarrow.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at the United Methodist Church in Anita, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 8, 2009, at the Hockenberry Family Care Funeral Home in Anita, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.


Burial will be in the Exira Cemetery with a luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall of the United Methodist Church in Anita.


Memorials may be made to the Anita United Methodist Church, Anita United Methodist Women's Kitchen Fund, or the Anita Library.


Hockenberry Family Care Funeral Home in Anita, IA, is in charge of the arrangements.