Mary Ellen Rathbun

To those who knew Mary Ellen Rathbun, it was easy to see that the happiest days of her life were spent with her true love to whom she was married for nearly 12 years. One of her true gifts was that she could find joy in the simple things in life, even though her life’s journey was not without trying times. However, Mary Ellen was able to overcome her difficult times with just the right amount of graceful strength, never losing that special something that made her such a remarkable woman.

As 1941 dawned overseas, Germany continued to invade numerous nations and territories further advancing the momentum of WWII. It was in December of that same year that America was viciously attacked at our naval base in Pearl Harbor leaving President Roosevelt to declare war the very next day. This was a memorable year in the family of Emery Eugene and Velda Juanita (Ross) Reiber for a very different reason as it was on April 7th that they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Mary Ellen. She was born in her grandmother’s home in Onarga, Illinois, as the oldest of six children in her family. Mary Ellen’s parents were evangelists who travelled all over the east and mid-west. As a result, she was raised in the trailer that was pulled behind the car her parents used to travel to numerous meetings throughout the United States.

During her formative years, life was very hard for Mary Ellen and her family as life on the road was certainly not an easy one. As the oldest child, she was also given the added responsibility of looking after her younger siblings. Mary Ellen’s family was also rather poor, and Mary Ellen battled with her health including a struggle= to overcome croup for a long time, which also left her dealing with many respiration problems throughout her life. She was often picked on by other children and was sensitive - even fearful of life in a way. For this reason, she did not enjoy school. Mary Ellen never attended public high school, but stayed at home and took classes there through the American Homeschooling Program.

Even as a young girl, certain parts of Mary Ellen’s personality were emerging that would stay with her throughout her entire life. She was naturally curious, timid, and even sneaky and mischievous at times. Even though Mary Ellen could show a little bit of a mean streak from time to time, she was also loving and gentle with a special tenderness toward cats. She could be stubborn at times since if she was told not to do something, she would often do it anyway. Since life was often not easy for her, Mary Ellen became an avid reader who used every opportunity to lose herself between the pages of a book to be a means to escape from her own life for awhile. Mary Ellen was dealt a difficult blow when she was only 16 years old and learned that she could never have children. This realization was understandably a difficult one for her to cope with. Her parents were also very strict, never allowing Mary Ellen to date.

Throughout her life, Mary Ellen worked in various jobs over the years. She worked with her mother at Louis Laundry and Dry Cleaners in Lansing for a time. Mary Ellen later stopped working and remained at home with her parents for 25 years. Mary Ellen’s favorite job was in 1984 at Dineview Boys Home, located in Evart. She continued along with her life until fate intervened and took her down an unexpected and exciting path.

It was when she was 50 years old that she became reacquainted with someone from her past. His name was Rolland Rathbun and although they knew each other as children, they never dated until 40 years later. Over the next year, the couple continued to date and their relationship blossomed into a true, abiding love. Knowing that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, Rolland proposed to Mary Ellen at the Wheel Inn in St. Johns. They were married in 1992, beginning a new chapter in their lives together. Rolland was so good to Mary Ellen and treated her like the priceless treasure he adored. For the first time in her life, Mary Ellen truly felt unconditionally loved by someone else. They genuinely enjoyed spending time together no matter what they were doing. Mary Ellen and Rolland enjoyed the St. Johns Mint Festival, the Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival, and never missed church. They also enjoyed holding hands, taking drives in the car, and going out to eat. Mary Ellen was deeply saddened with Rolland’s death in 2004 after he suffered a major heart attack.

There were many ways in which Mary Ellen was such a unique woman who was deeply loved by those around her. It wasn’t until 1982 that Mary Ellen received her first car – a 1969 Buick that was given to her by her sister, April. Although she was naturally a bit timid, her car allowed her a bit more freedom and independence. Those who knew Mary Ellen also knew that she loved hats. Additionally, her faith was an important component in her life as was her prayer life. Mary Ellen faithfully prayed for her siblings every night since they were so near and dear to her heart.

Mary Ellen Rathbun was a delightful woman with a tender and compassionate heart that beat to love her family. She was blessed to find the love of her life during her later years and together, they enjoyed each and every moment they shared. Mary Ellen always managed to overcome the challenges life brought her while focusing on the future. She made countless memories with her friends and family along her life’s journey that will now be held near to the hearts of those she leaves behind. Mary Ellen will be dearly missed.

Mary Ellen Rathbun of St. Johns died Saturday, February 13, 2010. Mary Ellen’s family includes her siblings; Eugene (Carol) Reiber of Eaton Rapids, Juanita Beaudoin of DeWitt, April Joy of Alma, John (Susan) Reiber, formerly of Lansing, Paul Reiber of Lansing; and many nieces and nephews. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Rolland, in 2004. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo or sign the online guestbook.