Barbara Jean Rath, 71, of Virginia Beach, VA passed away February 13, 2012. She was born in Fredericksburg, PA the daughter of the late Josephine Bord Koehler and Robert William Koehler. She retired in 2002 as an optician for the Navy Exchange. She was a member of the Red Hat Society in Virginia Beach.

Barbara is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Lisa Rath of Suffolk, VA; granddaughter, Amber Rath; great grandchildren, Harley Rath and Sophia Hancock; loving companion, Thomas McGowan of Virginia Beach, VA; special friends, Phyllis and Jim Carnforth, Chip and Linda Mielkey.

A funeral service will be held Friday, February 17, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Dr., Suffolk, VA with Rev. Charles Thompson and Rev. Michael D. Halley officiating. Burial will follow at Holly Lawn Cemetery. Friends may join the family Thursday night from 7-8 p.m. at the funeral home and other times at the residence of David and Lisa Rath. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to give special thanks to Heartland Hospice and Dr. Bremer from Virginia Oncology for the special care they gave Ms. Rath.