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Barbara Jean “Bobbi” Murphy Rathbun

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Barbara Jean “Bobbi” Murphy Rathbun

Birth	:	27 Feb 1932 Chinook, Blaine County, Montana, USA
Death	:	7 Jan 2010 Havre, Hill County, Montana, USA
Burial	:	Mount Carmel Cemetery, Manistee, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate	:	44.2297220, -86.3258330
Plot	:	Space 294, Block 31
Description	:	Barbara Jean Rathbun was born February 27, 1932 in the Rattlesnake community south of Chinook, MT. She was the third of four children born to Estel and Cecelia (Pasma) Murphy. Barb grew up on the family farm near Cleveland. When she was growing up her siblings affectionately called her "Bobbi". She received her formal education in Chinook, where she earned her G.E.D. Barb continued her schooling at Northern Montana College in Havre, majoring in education. In 1951 Barb enlisted in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. She served stateside in the Women's Army Corps and received her honorable discharge after... Read More	Barbara Jean Rathbun was born February 27, 1932 in the Rattlesnake community south of Chinook, MT. She was the third of four children born to Estel and Cecelia (Pasma) Murphy. Barb grew up on the family farm near Cleveland. When she was growing up her siblings affectionately called her "Bobbi". She received her formal education in Chinook, where she earned her G.E.D. Barb continued her schooling at Northern Montana College in Havre, majoring in education. In 1951 Barb enlisted in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. She served stateside in the Women's Army Corps and received her honorable discharge after a 2-year military stint. Barb returned to Montana to finish her education. Following her graduation from Northern, she began teaching school in Havre. Barb moved to Bakersfield, California in 1956 to accept a teaching position. While there she met Frank Zabaleta, and they were married in Las Vegas, NV in 1958. Barb worked as a teacher in Bakersfield for many years. During that time she continued her schooling at Fresno State College, where she eventually earned her Master's Degree in English. In addition to working as a homemaker and mother of two, Barb assisted her husband in the operation of the historic Bakersfield nightclub called "Blackboard" (at this nightclub many singers got their early starts to become successful recording artists). Barb's husband, Frank, died in 1976. The following year Barb reunited with an old Montana friend, Reuben Sande. They married and moved Gildford, Mt. The marriage lasted two short years when Reuben died of cancer in 1979. Barb's third marriage was to a Hingham area farmer, Robert "Bob" Rathbun, who had recently lost his wife to cancer. They were wed on October 3, 1980 and made their home in the Gildford community. Barb finished raising her two children and became a loving mother and grandmother to the Rathbun family. Barb's health began to fail the past few years and she stayed close to home. On Christmas Day she suffered a stroke and was admitted to the Hospital in Havre. She transferred to the Northern Montana Care Center, where she died peacefully on Thursday morning (January 7, 2010). She was 77 years old. Over the years Barb developed many friends in the Hi-Line. She enjoyed attending community auction sales, where she loved to shop for antiques. She traveled throughout the northwestern states to antique shows to exhibit, buy, and sell interesting relics. Barb also became a member of the local Cowboy Poet's Club, where she shared her poetry and writings. In addition she loved to paint landscapes, animals, and other media. There wasn't any challenge that Barb wouldn't take on, for example, she learned welding, plasma-cutting, and exceptional computer skills. She was an avid animal lover, especially of dogs, cats, and horses (during her years in California she loved riding and showing horses). In her quiet time at home Barb enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles. She was also a good cook; her family will remember her delicious pies and chimi-changas. She was a wonderful hostess at family Thanksgiving dinners. In recent years she had become a "sweet tooth". Barb enjoyed her many collections of trinkets and memorabilia. She served on the K-G School board for several years and was a strong advocate of education. Her philosophy for our youth was "Give them wings so they can fly!" She will be remembered as a very generous and caring woman. She was preceded in death not only by her parents and two husbands, but also by a brother (Guy Murphy), a sister (Dorothy Abbott), and a grandson (Jason Groseclose). Barb is survived by her husband of 29 years, Bob Rathbun of Gildford; 2 children, Frank (Katie) Zabaleta of Redlands, CA and Kitty Zabaleta of Long Beach, CA; 2 step-children, Bill (Mariah) Rathbun of Hingham and Bev (Ron) Groseclose of Hingham; 8 grandchildren (inc. Allyson, Lauren, Katelyn, Brandee, William, Larra, Zachery, andJeff); 1 brother, Ronald (Penny) Murphy of Spokane, WA; many nephews and nieces; and her loving pets (dogs, "Lilly" and "Rosie" and cats, "Jerald" and "Jenny"). Memorial services were 11:00 a.m. Monday (Jan. 11th) at the Gildford Baptist Church. Pastor Eddie Fallo officiated. A scripture reading was shared by Will Rathbun, the obituary was read by Jeff Groseclose, a poem entitled "Memories of Mother" was read by Allyson Zabaleta, and a poem entitled "The Great Beyond" (written by Barb) was read by Bill Rathbun. Organ music was provided by Sharon Spicher. Vocalist, Terry Stevenson, performed "Hymn of Promise". Zach Rathbun served as greeter. A luncheon followed the service at the church. Barb's ashes were buried at the Highland Cemetery in Havre later in the afternoon.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Barbara Jean “Bobbi” Murphy Rathbun's memorial?
Barbara Jean “Bobbi” Murphy Rathbun's memorial is located at: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Manistee, Manistee County, USA.
When did Barbara Jean “Bobbi” Murphy Rathbun death?
Barbara Jean “Bobbi” Murphy Rathbun death on 7 Jan 2010 in Havre, Hill County, Montana, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Barbara Jean “Bobbi” Murphy Rathbun's memorial?
Latitude: 44.2297220
Longitude: -86.3258330

Family Members:

Parent

Spouse

Robert Earl “Bob” Rathbun

(1926 - 2015)

Reuben H Sande

(1929 - 1979)

Siblings

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Mount Carmel Cemetery
Manistee, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2297220, -86.3258330

2. Trinity Cemetery
Manistee, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2257996, -86.3264008

3. Oak Grove Cemetery
Manistee, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2655983, -86.3202972

4. Old Stronach Cemetery
Stronach Township, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2071991, -86.2433014

5. Long Lake Cemetery
Grant Township, Mason County, USA
Coordinate: 44.1567001, -86.3003006

6. Grant Township Cemetery
Grant Township, Mason County, USA
Coordinate: 44.1088982, -86.2902985

7. Miller Cemetery
Brown Township, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2943993, -86.1766968

8. Maple Grove Cemetery
Free Soil, Mason County, USA
Coordinate: 44.1091995, -86.2517014

9. Norwalk Lutheran Church Cemetery
Brown Township, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3247220, -86.1800000

10. Saint John Cantius Cemetery
Free Soil, Mason County, USA
Coordinate: 44.1061310, -86.2090090

11. North Victory Cemetery
Victory Township, Mason County, USA
Coordinate: 44.0802900, -86.3559000

12. Riverview Cemetery
Brown Township, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2980995, -86.1307983

13. Old School House Cemetery
Brown Township, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3316994, -86.1564026

14. Onekama Village Cemetery
Onekama Township, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3731003, -86.2016983

15. Saint Joseph Cemetery
Onekama Township, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3739014, -86.2018967

16. Meade Cemetery
Free Soil, Mason County, USA
Coordinate: 44.1122017, -86.1466980

17. Onekama Village Cemetery #2
Onekama Township, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4102730, -86.2026770

18. Pleasant View Cemetery
Brown Township, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3279810, -86.0803110

19. Bertelson Cemetery
Onekama Township, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4110718, -86.2020264

20. Fountain Cemetery
Fountain, Mason County, USA
Coordinate: 44.0480550, -86.2000000

21. Bear Lake Township Cemetery
Bear Lake Township, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3885750, -86.1427250

22. Corfu Cemetery
Brethren, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2756004, -86.0417023

23. Fairview Cemetery South Annex
Bear Lake Township, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4172830, -86.1593240

24. Fairview Cemetery
Bear Lake Township, Manistee County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4180572, -86.1609210