Elisabeth R. Lowe

Elisabeth “Bess” Ratering Lowe, 83, of Lakeland, died Feb. 26, 2009, in Lakeland. Born Feb. 20, 1926, in Ulft, Holland, The Netherlands, Bess emigrated with her family through Ellis Island to Patterson, N.J., in 1927. A war bride, she married Roy Lowe, Sr., in Miami in 1945. They lived on Bahia Honda Key for several years before building a house in Marathon, where she resided from 1953 to 1992. A housewife until her marriage ended in 1960, Bess raised four children as single parent while attending night school and earning her high school diploma from Marathon High School in 1967. After graduation, she was recruited by Principal Kay Gradick of the school to work as guidance department secretary, where she remained 21 years until her retirement in 1988. Devoted to her family, Bess moved to Citrus Woods Estates in Lakeland in 1992 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Maintaining her love for the Florida Keys, she and her family returned to Marathon to celebrate the Thanksgiving holidays each year. She attended First United Methodist Church of Bartow. Her hobbies included needlework, crossword puzzles, TV game shows, and pets. Her volunteer service activities included the PTA, the Marathon Hig h Booster Club, and the Fishermen’s Hospital Auxiliary. Bess greatly enjoyed opening her home and dinner table throughout the years to family, friends, and their friends; she was renowned for her iced tea, pan-fried crawfish (a.k.a. Florida lobster), and Key lime pie. Survivors include three daughters : Nancy (George) Hutchinson of Hobe Sound, Betty Phelps of Land O’ Lakes, and Toni (Bryon) Clinger of Venice; a son, Roy (Kayline) Lowe, Jr., of Bartow; six grandchildren: Derek (Dawne) Hutchinson and Nikki Hutchinson Krueger, both of Hobe Sound, Jessica Phelps and Adam (Jessica) Phelps, both of Land O’ Lakes, and Brett Lowe and Kara Lowe, both of Bartow; three great - grandchildren: William Krueger, and Dakota and Mason Lee; a sister, Gertrude Roylance of Springfield, Mo.; a brother, Bill (Arlean) Ratering of Lakeland; and her companion pet poodle, Ebony. A Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for Bess’ life will be held Saturday, Mar 7 at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church Sanctuary, 310 S. Broadway, Bartow. Those attending are welcome to wear Florida Keys "casual" attire. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice or the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 455 S. Broadway, Bartow 33830.