WALLY RATHBONE obituary

Wally F. Rathbone, 81, of Havre died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006, at Northern Montana Hospital of natural causes.

Cremation has taken place. His memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. John Chapman officiating. A private family interment will be held at a later time. A fellowship luncheon will be held immediately after the service in the church Fellowship Hall.

Wally was born June 12, 1924, in Harlem to Fay and Cora (Dolven) Rathbone. He lived in Harlem until he completed the eighth grade. His family moved to Havre in 1938. Wally graduated from Havre High School and attended Northern Montana College for two years. He then transferred to the University of Montana in Missoula and graduated with his business administration degree in 1945. Wally was employed by Hill County Electric for two years.

On March 9, 1947, Wally married Laura Almos in Havre. The couple made their home in Havre and in 1948, Wally started his own business selling and installing home improvement products. He also started a four-piece dance band playing for dances in Havre and along the Hi-Line. In 1960, Wally established Rathbone Vending Service. He sold the business in 1990 and retired at the age of 67.

Wally's main interests were Dixieland music, traveling in his camper trailer and playing bridge. He attended many Dixieland festivals and enjoyed dancing.

Wally was a member of the Jaycees Toastmaster Club, Jaycees, Lions, Elks and Eagles clubs. He served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church, treasurer of the Community Concert Association and was a regular at coffee down at the 4B's Restaurant.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Lois.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Laura Rathbone of Havre; daughters, Susan (Will) McFarlane of Denver, Colo., Teri (Bobby) Farmer of Brighton, Colo., and Carol (Dale) Waagmeester of Portland, Ore .; brothers, Kenneth (Maryanne) Rathbone of Lander, Wyo., and Donald (Lynne) Rathbone of Manhattan, Kan .; and two grandsons.

Memorials in Wally's honor can be made to Montana Division Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2411, Great Falls, MT 59403.

Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.