Philanthropist Bath dies at 74

Entertainer and philanthropist Erna Elise Bath died Saturday.

"She was a lovely lady," said Linda Smith, chief development officer for Opportunity Village, where Bath served on the board. "She definitely was not a 'society lady' who just wanted to do charity lunches. She was one of those kinds of people that would roll up her sleeves and pitch in."

Bath was born Aug. 31 1933, in the Bronx, N.Y. By age 4, she was performing in New York and on radio.

She came to Las Vegas at age 18 and performed for many years as a professional dancer, singer and showgirl.

Smith, who also worked as an entertainer, said Bath's lifestyle allowed her charity work.

"You try to find things to fill in the days when you're performing in the evening," Smith said. "You connect with the community. And once you get that taste of helping others and making a difference, you get hooked."

During her 56 years in Las Vegas, Bath was involved with the National Kidney Foundation, Easter Seals of Nevada, the American Diabetes Association, HELP of Southern Nevada and Secret Witness.

She was also a firm believer in organ and tissue donation and, upon her death, became such a donor.