Loretta Brazeal

Loretta Rath Poindexter Brazeal of Tulsa, Okla., passed away Wednesday.

Her faith sustained her through a long and courageous battle with cancer. Throughout her ordeals, she always maintained a positive outlook and sunny disposition.

She was born on Aug. 7, 1949, to Frank E. Rath and Lillian Spang Rath of Butler.

Loretta was a 1967 graduate of Knoch High School, obtained her bachelor’s degree in business from Vanderbilt University and her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. She worked for many years for the Spang & Co. in Butler, achieving the position of vice president of human resources. She was a director of the company at the time of her death.

Loretta enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, fishing, gardening, horseback riding and dogs, but most cherished was her role as a mother. Loretta’s philanthropic interests were far reaching, particularly in art, education and helping those in need.

Loretta is survived by her daughter, Hannah L. Poindexter; her husband, Michael Brazeal of Tulsa, Okla.; her mother, Lillian Spang Rath of Butler; her brothers, Frank Rath Jr. (Diana) and David F. Rath (Edie); her two sisters, Lillian Raff (Ole) and Laura Rath, both of Anacortes, Wash.; and her numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Frank E. Rath.

Brazeal — The friends of Loretta Rath Poindexter Brazeal, who passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2014, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler. Funeral services and burial will be private.Memorial donations are suggested to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5150 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.