CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY OBITUARIES
FOR
SURNAMES (Ra) through (Rd)

MRS. BETHEL RACKER

Bethel (Warren) Racker passed away Saturday, February 24, 2001, at the age of 76 years, 2 months and 7 days at her rural home south of Grenola, Kansas. She was born in Attica, Kansas to Clarence Earl and Ruby Ellen (Johnston) Warren on December 17, 1924.

After graduating from the Attica High School in June of 1942, she began teaching in a rural school south of Medicine Lodge on the Kansas/Oklahoma line, with a provisional teaching certificate, which was renewed each year after attending college for three summer months.

On Friday, October 13, 1944, she was united in marriage to Staff Sergeant Walter E. Racker, who had just returned from the South Central Pacific and was stationed at Strother Field at Winfield. To this union was born Bethel Ellen, Walter E., IV, Wayne E. and Warren E.

In June of 1967, she received her BA degree in education from Southwestern College in Winfield, KS, followed by post graduate studies for an MA in special education from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.

She achieved a lifelong dream when she graduated from Marion Health Center at Sioux City. Iowa with a R.N diploma in June of 1983. Her first position as a Registered Nurse was charge nurse for both the intensive care and psychiatric units at the same time.

As a Chaplain minister’s wife, she helped her husband pastor churches and chapels in hospitals and prisons in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Massachusetts and Wisconsin.

The Order of Eastern Star and Daughters of the American Revolution were just two of the many professional and civic organizations to which she belonged.

In 1970, she obtained her pilots license, adding to it an instrument rating in her own 1946 antique airplane, which took her over seven years to rebuild at North Platte, Nebraska. Oddly enough, she never learned to drive an automobile, truck, tractor or lawn mower.

While in Minnesota, Bethel and her husband bought a dairy farm near Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, but since Kansas was always home, when they retired they bought a ranch in Chautauqua County, south of Grenola, Kansas.

After serving rural churches in Cowley, Elk and Chautauqua Counties for three years. the Belknap Community Church called them, where they have been serving the Lord and His good folks for the past fourteen years.

On January 2, 2001, Bethel and her husband celebrated 52 years in the ministry and the week of their 56th Wedding Anniversary, October 13, 2001, she was diagnosed with non-smokers lung cancer.

Bethel was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Bethel Ellen Pifer and a son. Wayne E. Racker.

She is survived by her husband, Reverend Walter E. Racker of Grenola, her sons, Walter E. Racker, IV, Tecumseh, KS, Warren E. Racker, Daykin, NE, John Warren, Woodville, WA and Mark Warren, Redmond, WA, seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

MR. WILLIAM F. RACKER

William Fredrick Racker passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2000, at his home in Grenola, Kansas. He was 78 years of age. William was born on June 5, 1922 at Wallingford, Connecticut to Walter Emil and Olive Melvina (Curtis) Racker. He attended school and grew to manhood in the Wallingford community.
In November of 1941, he entered the United States Army Air Corps and served his country during World War II. William was injured in an accident at Luke Field, Arizona that resulted in a life-long disability. He received a medical discharge in November of 1943 and returned to Wallingford, CT.
William was employed as a Mechanic and Welder during most of his life. He made his home in Connecticut until the late 1980’s when he moved to Grenola, Kansas to be near his brother.
William was a member of the Carter-Rader American Legion Post #149, at Howard Kansas and the Grenola United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his brothers, Rev. Walter E. Racker of Grenola and Alfred O. Racker of Cottonwood, AZ. his sisters, Emily Wheeler of Wichita and Olive Hubbard of Cottonwood. AZ. His parents and a sister, Evalena Dearborn preceded him in death.
Grave side services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday November 10, 2000, at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Grenola with Rev. Don Foster of the Grenola United Methodist Church officiating. Carter-Rader American Legion Post #149 conducted military graveling services. A memorial has been established with the Grenola United Methodist Church, Contributions may be left with the funeral home. The funeral arrangements were made with the Zimmerman Funeral Home of Howard.

MRS. DISIE L. RAMSEY

Disie L. Ramsey, age 90, formerly of Cedar Vale, Kansas, died Thursday, March 7, 2002, at the Pleasant Valley Manor in Sedan, Kansas. She was born January 21, 1912 in Madison County, Oklahoma. Her parents were John Wesley and Mary Jane (Ellis) Peer. She was raised and educated by her mother and stepfather, John Thompson, in Freeport, Kansas.

While attending business school in Wichita, she met and later married Raymond Ramsey on December 24, 1931. He preceded her in death in 1985. They lived in Wichita until 1942, moving to Cedar Vale, Kansas. She was a member of the Cedar Vale United Methodist Church, OES, where she was Worthy Matron twice, and had been active in several ladies clubs in Cedar Vale.

She is survived by a son, Dale Ramsey, Cedar Vale, Kansas, a sister, LaRue Thiel, Amarillo, Texas, and nieces, Sandy Gillespie, Jacksonville, Florida and Cindy Martin, Amarillo, Texas.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 11, 2002, at 11:00 a.m. at the Wheeler Funeral Home in Cedar Vale. Interment was in the Cedar Vale City Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the donor's choice of charities in her name.

MRS. JESSIE M. RAMSEY

WINFIELD, Kan. - Jessie M. Ramsey, 101, of Winfield died Saturday, April 2, 2005, at Winfield Resthaven. She was born March 21, 1904, in Garfield County, Neb., to George and Mary Belle (Stanton) Lamphear.

Jessie married Lewis Wise in 1922, and moved to Winfield in 1945. They moved to Wichita, where Lewis passed away in 1953. Jessie returned to Winfield and worked at Albertson’s Market.

In 1960, she married Lyle Ramsey and moved to his farm near Cedar Vale. Lyle passed away in 1966, and Jessie remained in Cedar Vale, where she participated in the Foster Grandparent Program at the Cedar Vale School District. She then returned to Winfield in 2001, to reside at Winfield Resthaven.

Jessie was a member of the Cedar Vale United Methodist Church and the Rebecca Lodge in Cedar Vale.

Jessie is survived by sisters Irene Harris, Dallas, Texas, Anna Wallace, Winfield, Kan., Elise Robinson, Sapulpa, Okla.; daughter-in-law Charlotte M. Wise, Winfield, Kan.; three grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; and eight great great grandchildren.

Services were held on Monday, April 11,2005, at 1:30 p.m. at Wheeler Funeral Home in Cedar Vale. Internment was at the Round Mound Cemetery in Chautauqua County.

Memorials are suggested to Cedar Vale United Methodist Church. Arrangements were made with Wheeler Funeral Home in Cedar Vale.

MRS. JULIA M. RANDALL

Julia M. Randall, 85, of Sedan and former longtime Peru resident, died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2003, in Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville, Okla.

She was born Jan. 17, 1917 in Wann, Okla., to George Clark and Myrtle (Furnas) Ellington. She grew up and attended school in Bristow, Okla.

On Oct. 24, 1937, she married Herschel G. Randall in Miami, Okla. Following their marriage, they made their home in Texas. They moved to Peru in 1979 from Littlefield, Texas.

Mrs. Randall was a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and a lifetime member of Friends of Library.

Survivors include her husband, Herschel, Sedan; one son, Mark E. Randall, Plano, Texas; two granddaughters, Victoria and Julie Christine Randall, Plano, Texas; one nephew, Gene Alton, Corpus Christi, Texas; one niece, Peggy Lambert, Oklahoma City; additional relatives include one cousin, Mildred Ralston, Independence, Kan.

Memorial graveside services and inurnment were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, in the Rutland Cemetery north of Havana.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Sedan was in charge of the arrangements.

MR. HERSCHEL C. RANDALL

He was born Sept. 27, 1914 in Bristow, Okla. to Allie Albert and Ida Maye (Faith) Randall. He grew up and attended school in Bristow, graduating from Bristow High School in 1932.

On Oct. 24, 1937, he married Julia Margaret Ellington at Miami, Okla. Following their marriage, they made their home in worked at the Bristow Chevrolet Dealership from 1931-1939, when he went to work for General Motors Corporation until 1942.

In 1942, he joined the U. S. Navy, serving World War II in the Atlantic and Europe, including the D-Day landing at Omaha Beach. He was discharged from activity in 1945.

Following the war, he continued in the auto business, becoming a partner in the Chevrolet Dealership in Littiefield, Texas in 1959. While in Littlefield, he was active in the First Baptist Church, as well as civic affairs. He was named the city's Man of the Year in 1977.

In 1979, he retired and he and Julia moved to Peru, Kan. While in Peru, he continued his participation in local activities, serving as a Deacon of the Peru Christian Church and as a city council member. He and Julia bought, refurbished and donated to the city the present City Hall and library. He and Julia later moved their church membership to the Wayside Christian Church.

Survivors include one son, Mark Randall, Plano, Texas, two granddaughters, Victoria Leigh Randall and Julia Christine Randall, both of Piano, Texas, one niece, Peggy Lambert, Oklahoma City, Okla.; one nephew, Gene Alton, Corpus Christi, Texas, additional relatives include Mildred Ralston of Independence, Kan.

Memorial graveside services and inurnment will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2003, in the Rutland Cemetery north of Havana, Kan. with Rev. Harold Tucker of Sedan officiating. Cremation has taken place.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Sedan is in charge of the arrangements.

MR. PALMER RANDALL - Submitted by Freida Wells

Palmer Randall, a pioneer citizen of Jefferson township, died at his home near Cedar Vale Saturday, January 3, following a brief illness. He was born in Illinois on December 19, 1857, and at the time of his death was 67 years and 15 days old.

In 1869 he moved with his parents from Illinois to Burlington, Kansas. April 14, 1872, the family moved to Chautauqua county, locating on a farm near Cedar Vale, in which vicinity deceased had been a resident continuously from that date to the date of his death.

Palmer was the oldest child of Maynard and Martha E. Randall, and as a boy helped to turn the sod of the family homestead and bring the wild prairie into a state of cultivation. He spent his life as a farmer and stock raiser and endured all the hardships that attend that business in addition to those of the pioneer. He was a man who stood for and took part in activities in the interest of good government, good schools and religious affairs. He was a member of the Episcopal church of Cedar Vale.

For the past four or five years he has been in failing health, his decline dating from a severe attack of influenza and at another time pneumonia which has been followed by later similar troubles. On December 23 he sustained a severe fall on the sleet and ice which caused him much suffering and was coincident with the beginning of his final illness. It was not thought his condition was serious until about five days before his death, when he began to fail rapidly until the end came.

Funeral services were held Sunday at the Episcopal church followed by interment in Cedar Vale cemetery. Members of the Odd Fellows lodge, of which he was a member, conducted services at the grave.

He is survived by his wife, Josie Randall, and son Hobart. Other surviving relatives are two brothers, C. J. Randall of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Edgar Randall of Sedan, and one sister Mrs. Mattie L. Prothero of Los Angeles. Another brother, Lotus died 17 years ago.

MRS. SUSIE T. RANKIN

INDEPENDENCE - Susie Tusing Rankin left her earthly home on Monday, March 22, 2004, at the age of 97.

Born Dec, 13, 1906, in the Moore Prairie District southwest of Sedan, the second of 12 children to Ike and Susan Ginny-Tusing. Spending her early years in Osage County Oklahoma near Foraker, her family moved to Green Forest, Ark., in 1919 for three years before moving to Elk City, where she resided until moving to Penn Terrace in 1988.

Susie spent her final years at Eagle Estate in Independence.

Susie married Paul Rankin on Sept. 26, 1929 in Grenola. During their 50 year marriage, the Rankins owned and operated the Q store and were active in many Elk City organizations including the Eastern Star “Coterie Club” and the First Christian Church. Mr. Rankin preceded her in death on Nov. 10, 1979.

Survivors include two Sons, Ken Rankin, Independence and Jim Rankin, Oklahoma City; five grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Marilyn; and 11 brothers and sisters.

Graveside services were held at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Elk City, at 11 a.m., Friday, March 26, 2004.

The family has suggested memorial contributions to the Elk City Pride Committee, Elk City, KS 67344.

MR. DANIEL C. RATHBUN

DANIEL C. RATHBUN CALLED BY DEATH-----Daneil Clinton Rathbun, 56, of Sandy Bend and Ketchikan, Alaska, died of a heart attack Thursday in Longview, where he had been visiting his daughter, Mrs. Burton Morse.

He was born Aug. 3, 1903 at Sedan, Ks. Although retaining their home at Sandy Bend, the Rathbuns had been commercial fisherman at Ketchikan since 1956.

Rathbun was a member of Sandy Bend Grange.

He leaves his wife, Georgia; three sons, Alton, of Bakersfield, Calif., C. Neil, of Longview, and Otis of Ketchikan; three daughters, Mrs. Gladys Birkhoefer of McMinnville, Ore., Mrs. Joyce Davis of Ketchikan and Mrs. Frankie Morse of Longview; and 15 grandchildren.

The funeral services were held Monday afternoon in the Hubbard chapel, with the Rev. Martin Skarbo officiating, Mrs. Earl Dunn was soloist. Burial was in Whittle cemetery with grange graveside services. The pallbearers were John McCandles and Frank Rensch of Gig Harbor, Maurice Swigert of Mossyrock, Alfred Koher of Kosmos, Robert Moore of Centralia and Oren Wise.

The Hubbard Funeral Home was in charge.

==================================================================

LONGVIEW DAILY NEWS, Longview, Washington, Sat./Sun., Feb. 27/28, 1960, page 11. RATHBUN, Daniel C. 56, of 105 Sandy Bend Place, Castle Rock, and Ketchikan, Alaska, died Feb. 25 in Longview. Born Aug. 3, 1903, in Sedan, Ks., he was a fisherman. He was a member of the Sandy Bend Grange. Survivors include his widow, Georgia; three sons, Alton, Bakersfield, Calif., C. Neil, Longview, and R. Otis, Ketchikan; three daughters, Mrs. Gayle Berkhofer, McMinnville, Ore., Mrs. Joyce Davis, Ketchikan, and Mrs. Frankie Morse, Longview; and 15 grandchildren. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the Hubbard Funeral Home with the Rev, Martin Skarbo officiating. Interment will be in Whittle Cemetery. Hubbard Funeral Home is in charge. Note: Daniel Clinton Rathbun is a son of Abia Albun and Orlena Catherine Henderson Rathbun. Orlena is the Great Aunt of John Max Henderson. Submitted by John max Henderson

MR. GEORGE M. RATHBUN - Submitted by Patti Hilton

ANOTHER PIONEER GONE.
Death Came to G. M. Rathbun Last Sunday.

George M. Rathbun, pioneer resident and well known citizen of this county died at his home in Sedan, Sunday, December 9th. His death was the culmination of general health decline of the past few months, which because of its persistency in connection with his extreme age has made it apparent for some weeks that the end was approaching.

Funeral services were held at the Baptist church Wednesday morning, conducted by Rev. Elmer Kirkpatrick. The rainy weather and condition of the roads made it impossible to carry out plans to follow the service with burial at Moore Prairie cemetery. The body was placed in the Westlake undertaking rooms until the weather and roads will permit the trip to be made.

George M. Rathbun was born in Richland county, Ohio, May 23, 1836. At an early period in his life he moved with his parents from the Ohio home to Jay county, Indiana, where in due course of time he wooed and won in marriage Tamar A. Garinger. The ceremony uniting them as man and wife was performed by the bride’s father, David Garinger, on July 6, 1859. To this union were born eleven children. Three were born in Indiana and three in Worth county, Missouri, where the family later moved. In 1871 they moved to Kansas, settling on Moore Prairie, about fifteen miles southwest of Sedan, where five children were born. The wife and mother died Nov. 18th, 1905. The oldest son died February 7, 1917 and the second son died November 28, 1923. He is survived by nine living children and thirty-nine grand children and 26 great grand children. Also by two brothers and one sister, Daniel D. And Isaac R. Rathbun of Sedan and Mrs. George Freeman of Grant City, Mo.

All of the children except two were present at the funeral service, a son at Manhattan and daughter in California not being able to be present.

In his long life he was blessed with good bodily vigor, with the exception of dim eye sight, until the period of his final illness, and his mental faculties were keen until the moment of his last breath.

He was a professed Christian and a charter member of the Sedan Baptist church and died with the consciousness that he had performed his part of the world’s work to the best of his ability and was ready and even anxious to depart from his weathered earthly castle to the great adventure beyond.

Mrs. Martha Millison received word of the death of Mrs. I. R. Rathbun at Lamar, Colorado. Saturday, August 23rd. Burial was at Lamar Monday. She died at the home of her son. C. A. Moon. Mrs. Rathbun was a former resident of Sedan and since the death of her husband, the late Isaac Rathbun, has made her home most of the time with her son. She had many friends.

MR. LEWIS E. RATHBUN - Submitted by Patti Hilton

Lewis E. Rathbun, farm demonstration agent of Payne county, died at his home in Stillwater, Ok., at 2:15 o'clock a.m., Wednesday, November 28, 1923, aged 54 years,1 month and 22 days, after a short illness of typhoid fever.

Funeral services were held at the First Baptist church at 3 o'clock p.m., Thursday afternoon.

Lewis E. Rathbun, whose English ancestors come to this country in the 17th century, and one of whom was one of the original purchasers of Block Island in 1661, was born in Grant City, Mo., October 7, 1869. He was married to Ollie Rogers April 27, 1904. Three surviving children were born to them. Mr. Rathbun is survived by his father, George M. Rathbun; his two daughters, Eula and Ethyl, both students at Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical college, and one son, Don, who were with his when he died, as was his brother, G. A. Rathbun, of Sedan, Kan. There are three other brothers and five sisters living.

Lewis Rathbun was converted and joined the Baptist church at an early age, and remained a faithful and ardent worker in the church until his death. He had been superintendent of the Sunday school of the First Baptist church of Stillwater for the last five years. He was a graduate of Ottawa Baptist university, Ottawa, Kan., and most of his life had been spent in school work until he came to Stillwater as farm demonstration agent for Payne county. He was a member of the Stillwater Rotary Club.

MRS. LILIE RATHBUN - Submitted by Patti Hilton

Lilie Rathbun, daughter of Clark W. and Mary C. Foster was born near Wauneta, Kans., September 29, 1873, and departed this life August 19, 1947 at the age of 73 years, 10 months and 10 days. She was raised to young womanhood on a farm southeast of Wauneta, and taught in the schools of Chautauqua county a number of years. She obeyed the gospel and was active in church work so long as her health permitted.

She was united in marriage to David Ernest Rathbun May 7, 1894. To this union one daughter was born.

The Rathbuns lived in Sedan several years before going to Idaho some thirty years ago. Those who survive to mourn her decease are her husband of Idaho Falls, Idaho; a daughter Anna May Gray ad three grandchildren also of Idaho Falls; one brother, E. L. Foster, of Stark City, Mo.; two sisters, Nettie Perdue, Cassville, Mo.; Angeline Starkey, Humboldt; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

MR. MARSHALL R. RATHBUN - Submitted by Patti Hilton

DIED FROM BLOOD POISONING.
M. R. Rathbun Passed Away After a Week's Illness - Burial Tomorrow.

Marshall Riley Rathbun, who has been foreman on the Fernie ranch, picked up a rusty lantern last Sunday to throw on the trash pile. In some manner his little finger caught in a loose part and was cut. Blood poisoning set in and on Thursday he was brought to the hospital but the poison had too far a start and Mr. Rathbun passed away this morning.

Mr. Rathbun was born in Jay county, Ind., on Nov. 15, 1861. He was married to Mary E. Cline on April 21, 1895, and she and six children survive. The children are Orville Elmer, Roy, Mamie, Ercie and Ruth. He is also survived by his father, George M. Rathbun on Sedan, five brothers, Lewis E. Of Guyman, Okla.; D. E. of Idaho Falls, Idaho; George D. Of Edwardsville; G. Albert and J. A. Of Sedan; and five sisters, Mrs. N W. Wall and Mrs. Martha Millison of Sedan; Mrs. Mary T. Hensley of Hewins; Mrs. Ida J. Wall of San Pedro, Calif., and Mrs. Emma Taylor of Overland Park. Most of the realstives are here for the funeral.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later, the body will be taken to Alden for burial. - Hutchinson News.

MRS. ORELAN C. RATHBUN - Submitted by John Henderson

BROTHER'S WIFE DEAD-----R. E. Rathbun is in receipt of a letter and clipping from a local newspaper announcing the death of his brother's wife, who passed away at a hospital in Olympia, Washington, on November 10th. Her passing followed an illness of long duration. Deceased was formerly a resident of this county, residing in Moore Prairie community. In 1911 she and her husband moved from Moore Prairie to Yelm Washington, where they had since resided.

Surviving are her husband, A. A. Rathbun, and one son, D. C. Rathbun of Debob, Washington. Deceased was a sister of the late Tom Henderson, who for many years was Missouri Pacific agent at Wauneta.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 12th. at the M. E. church at Yelm.

Note: Orelan Catherine Henderson Rathbun's husband is Abia Albun Rathbun a brother of Rufus Edmond Rathbun and their parents are David Dye and Catherine Lanning Rathbun. Orlena is a great aunt of John Max Henderson; submitted by John Max Henderson

MR. ROBERT L. RATHBUN

Robert L. Rathbun, 80, went to be with his Savior on Nov. 2, 2007, in Everett, Wash.

He was born to Orva and Vera Rathbun Oct. 6, 1926, in Independence. Robert graduated from high school in Sedan, and served in the U.S. Army in World War II as a Sergeant. He worked 37 years as a Boeing aerospace machinist (12 years on special team A.O.G.), retiring in 1989. Robert was a member of the IAM union and Kiwanis, being past president of Golden Kiwanis Club of Everett.

He volunteered at Everett Men’s Mission, a life long Baptist, being a charter member of the Westside Haysville Kansas Baptist Church, past president of Baptist Youth Fellowship of Kansas and a deacon of First Baptist Church of Everett. He also was Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America. Robert enjoyed sports, games and especially his family.

Surviving him is his loving wife of 56 years, Donna J. Rathbun, of Everett; children, Jim (Pam) Rathbun, of Everett, Janet (Ted) Irish, of Marysville, Wash., Phillip W. (Judi)Rathbun, of Bothell, Wash., and Jo (John) Shively, of Everett; brother Harold (Alice) Rathbun, of Bellevue, Wash.; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, especially Carolyn and Marolyn.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, at First Baptist Church of Everett, 1616 Pacific Ave. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Everett or Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or American Heart Association www.amencanheart.org.

MR. ROY RATHBUN - Submitted by Ilene Mullendore Butler

Roy I. Rathbun, 87, retired Civil Service employee, died at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 28, 1989, at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home at Parsons where he had resided since February, 1987.

He was born Oct. 24, 1902 in Newton, a son of Riley Marshall Rathbun and Mary Elizabeth (Kline) Rathbun. As a small child, he moved with his family to the Independence and Sedan area, where he attended schools and grew to manhood. In later years, he moved to Enid, Okla. In 1979, he moved to Caney where he lived until moving to Parsons in February 1987, to be near his granddaughter, Linda Davis.

He was employed with the Civil Service all his working life, retiring in his late 50’s due to poor health. His hobby was working with sheet metal.

He and Oleene Orndorff were married Oct. 25, 1925 in Columbus. She preceded him in death on March 31, 1984.

Survivors include: one son, Marshall I. Rathbun, Overland Park; five grandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren; one great-greatgrandchild; one sister, Ruth Marlow, Sedan.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, two sisters, one daughter, JoAnn 0. Bush Holcomb, and an infant granddaughter.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 30, 1989, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence with Rev. Ernest Foster officiating.

MRS. TAMAR A. RATHBUN - Submitted by Patti Hilton

Mrs. Tamar A. Rathbun, wife of G. M. Rathbun, was born in Ohio, May 3, 1838, and died at her home in Sedan, Kas., Nov. 18, 1905, aged 67 years, 6 months, and 15 days. Her maiden name was Garinger. She was married to G. M. Rathbun at Bluff Point, Ind., July 6, 1859. To this union were born eleven children, six boys and five girls, all of whom with their father, survive her. The husband and father is a retired minister and an honored and respected citizen, and the children were carefully raised and prepared for usefulness in various fields of activity; some of them being lawyers, some school teachers and others engaged in useful callings doing their part of the world's work.

Mrs. Rathbun was converted in early life and united with the Baptist church. Her life was spent in the service of her God, her family and her church. Her husband and children all unite in saying: "She was a devoted Christian, a loving and affectionate wife and a kind and tender mother; and they all showed their affection and regard for her during her long illness. The children living elsewhere united with those living here, around her dying bed to say "Farewell mother! God bless you! You have been a good mother to us." The devotion of the husband to his dying wife after forty-five years of companionship with her, deserve special mention. He certainly fulfilled his marriage vow to "stand by her in sickness, and in health until death should separate them."

The funeral services were conducted from the family residence on Sunday, Nov. 19, 1905, at 7:45 a.m. by Rev. J. N. Kidd assisted by Rev. J. I. Smallwood and the remains laid to rest in the family burying ground at Moore Prairie about ten miles southwest of Sedan.

MR. WALTER A. RATHBUN

Walter A. Rathbun, age 95, of Coffeyville, Kansas, passed away Friday, July 6, 2001, at the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center in Coffeyville, KS.

Walter was born on October 27, 1905 in Sedan, KS to Gideon Albert and Minnie (Cunningham) Rathbun. He was raised and attended schools in the Sedan area. He married Verda Hoy on January 6, 1935 in Brockport, NY. He was a farmer and machinist. Walter worked for Funk Manufacturing in Coffeyville for twenty-three years until retirement. He enjoyed motorcycle riding and hunting.

Walter is survived by his daughter, Susan Brim, and her husband, Darrel, of rural Caney, KS, two sons, Alwin Rathbun, and his wife, Phyllis, Bartlesville, OK and Robert Rathbun, and his wife, Martha, Caney, KS, one sister, Louise Rathbun, Rochester, NY, five grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Verda, his parents, one brother, Alwin, and one sister, Maudie Fleming

. Graveside services were held on Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at 10:00 am. at the Fairview Cemetery in Niotaze, Kansas.

Memorial donations are to the American Cancer Society in care of Graves Funeral Home of Caney, KS, who were in charge of the arrangements.

MRS. MARTHA M. RATZLAFF

SEDAN, Kan. - Martha Mae Ratzlaff, 90, Sedan, died Wednesday morning, Jan. 19, 2005, at Pleasant Valley Manor in Sedan, Kan.

She was born Oct. 11, 1914, in the Grafton Community, northeast of Sedan, to Orlando Jesse and Clare Bell (Swisher) Wolfe. In 1915, her parents moved to the Pleasant Valley community northwest of Sedan, where she attended school in the Pleasant Valley community and the Leeds community.

On Dec. 20, 1940, she married William Jennings Ratzlaff at Fairfax, Okla. Following their marriage, they made their home in Howard, Kan. until her husbands retirement in 1970. They moved to Denver, Colo, until 1981, when they moved to McPherson, Kan. Her husband preceded her in death in 1991.

In 1992, she moved to Sedan, where she made her home until moving to Pleasant Valley Manor in April of 1999.

She is survived by two stepdaughters: Maxine Ellenberger, Burley, Idaho and Nancy Page, Colorado. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by five brothers, two sisters, and one stepson.

She was a member of the First Christian Church of Sedan, and American Legion Auxiliary for over 50 years. She also was a member of the Rebekah Lodge, and Eastern Star. Services were Monday, Jan. 24, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Sedan with Rev. Penny Goldberg officiating. Burial will be at Moline Cemetery in Moline, Kan.

Memorials are suggested to the Pleasant Valley Manor Activity Fund and contributions can be left with the funeral home.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Sedan is in charge of arrangements.

On April 12, 1968 in Hinton, Okla., he married Linda Burkhalter. She survives at the home.

In 1968, Sam began a long career in education at Ulysses, Kan. as a speech and debate teacher and continued in that same capacity at Wichita Heights High School in Wichita from 1970-74.

During that time, he earned a Master’s Degree from Wichita State University, for which he taught part-time. He spent the next eight years as an instructor and later as an administrator in higher education at Coffeyville Community College and Marymount College of Salina in 1981, he began his career as a public school administrator as Coldwater High School Principal in Coldwater, Kan. In 1988, he received a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Kansas State University. In 1989, Rawdon became principal of Scott Community High School in Scott City, Kan., where he remarried until 1994. For the next four years, he was superintendent of schools at USD #328 in Lorraine, Kan. He spent the last three years of his career as superintendent of USD #283 in Longton.

He was a member of the Community Christian Church in Longton.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, Linda, two daughters, Mindy Weixelman and her husband, David, Olathe, Kan., Alexa Rawdon, Longton, Kan., his mother, Susie Rawdon, Weatherford, Okla., one brother, James Rawdon, III and his wife, Glenda, Kansas City, Kan., and three nephews, Brent Rawdon, Kansas City, Kan., Bruce Rawdon, Del Rio, Texas and Page Rawdon, Parkville, Mo. He was preceded in death by his father and his son, Zachary.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, at the Sunset Cemetery in Manhattan, Kan., with Pastor Dave Sanchez of the Community Christian Church of Longton officiating.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 24, at 1 p.m. at the Elk Valley School Gymnasium in Longton. Memorials are suggested to the Community Christian Church in Longton, the Elk Valley Schools Secret Garden Project in Longton and the KSU Foundation Leadership Scholarship Fund and may be sent to the funeral home.

Timmons Funeral Home, Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.

John Raybourn, a gentle compassionate man of love and laughter, died at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, July 4, 2002, at the age of 77. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins. Rev. Joyce Curtis officiated.

Born on March 1, 1925, in Sedan, John served in the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Philippines during WWII. On June 5, 1949, he married Mary Sallee and they recently Celebrated 53 years of marriage.

He will be missed by daughters Jan Schendel of Windsor and Judy Smith and her husband, Pat, of Sedro-Woolley, Wash. He also is survived by four grandchildren, Larissa and Amanda Schendel and Jessica and Shane Smith and three siblings, Frances Monogue, Elizabeth Elam and Bill Raybourn.

John was active in church, a 50-year member of Vesper Lode AF and AM in Sedan and a member of the Scottish Rite Rocky Mountain Consistory in Denver.

During his life, John enjoyed a great zest for living and many activities, including camping, traveling, silversmithing, woodworking, walking, square dancing, skiing, playing cards and visiting with friends. He worked for the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation of the Interior for more than 30 years. He raised his family in Lakewood and resided in Mesa, Ariz. and Fort Collins following retirement.

John believed that strangers were just friends he hadn’t met yet and he will be missed by many.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Larimer County or First United Methodist Church in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, St., Fort Collins, CO 80524.

MR. GEORGE W. RAYMER

George W. Raymer, 91, died, Sept. 23, 2006 at Delta County Memorial Hospital. A graveside service was held at 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 29 at Cedaredge Cemetery with the Delta Masonic Lodge AF and AM #62 and Grand Mesa Veterans of Foreign Wars #9221 conducting services.

On April 27, 1915 George W. Raymer was born the son of George and Catherine Josephine Mable Raymer in Garnett, Okla. He spent his childhood and graduated from high school in Sedan.

On Oct. 25, 2003 George married Clarine Marie Niccoli Marshall at St. Philips Catholic Church in Cedaredge, CO. He was previously married to Florance Swinney on March 28, 1938 in Chautauqua. She preceded him in death on December 4, 1986 in Cedaredge, Co.

George served his country with the United States Navy during World War II; was a tool maker for Lockheed-Martin; a member of Grand Mesa Veterans of Foreign Wars #9221; Centennial Masonic Lodge AF and AM #84; Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; S. J. Denver and the Delta Elks Lodge #1235.

Those grateful to have shared in George’s life besides his beloved wife Clarine, one stepson, Bob Marshall of Maui, Hawaii; two step-daughters Paulette Hamilton of Walsenburg, Co. and Jacque Sego of Maui, Hawaii; one sister Peg Kelley of Littleton, Co., and nieces and nephews from Sedan, Missouri and Oregon.

George was preceded in death by his five brothers, Charles, Ralph, Clifford, Raymond and Joseph; one sister, Frances and one step-daughter, Cinch Marshall.

MR. GAROLD F. RAYMON

SEDAN, Kan. - Garold F. “Red” Raymon, 77, of Sedan, Kan. died Sunday night, April 25, 2004, at Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville, Okla.

He was born Dec. 21, 1926 at Barnsdall, Okla. to Gilbert Franklin and Elizabeth (Hohenstein) Raymon. He grew up and attended school in Barnsdall. He moved to rural Sedan with his family in 1945.

He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Army.

In 1953, he married Una Mae Savage at Sedan. They were later divorced.

On Aug. 11, 1979, he married Iva Jean (Sneed) Stamper at Sedan. She survives at the home in Sedan.

Red was employed by Koch Industries as a welder. He retired in January 1992 after 30 years of employment.

He attended the First United Methodist Church in Sedan and was a member of V.F.W. Post #6373 in Sedan.

Survivors include his wife, Iva Jean, of the home; three sons, Jim Raymon, Wichita, Jeff Raymon, Mulvane and Alan Raymon, Saleth, Ore.; three daughters, Cindy Raymon, Carlsbad, Calif., Diana Powers, Monterey, Calif., and Donna Miller, Tonganoxie, Kan.; 10 stepchildren; one brother, Joe Raymon, Skiatook, Okla.; two sisters, Lois Cease and Naomi Inman, both of Tulsa, Okla.; 36 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Raylene Shelton; one brother, James A. Raymon; and one sister, Rhoda M. Head.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 29, 2004, at the First United Methodist Church in Sedan with Rev. Jerry Bever, pastor and Rev. Dois Nix officiating. Burial will be in Riley Cemetery east of Sedan.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 9:00 am. to 9:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Sedan.

The family suggests memorials to the First United Methodist Church in Sedan and contributions may be left with the funeral home.