Dorothy Louise Rathbun was born Dec. 2, 1931, to Stewart and Samantha Newcomer in Wichita, KS. She was born the youngest, to a blended family with 9 siblings. Dorothy passed into her Savior’s presence, Jan. 6th, 2023, at Parkview Care Center.
For 69 years, Dorothy and William (Bill) Rathbun, were married and made homes in Kansas, Missouri and Iowa communities, while raising their 3 children, Candi, John and Becky. Dorothy was an amazing teammate and #1 supporter of Bill’s years as an American Baptist Pastor.
Dorothy and Bill shared a deep commitment to Jesus Christ and His church. They lived with a unique compassion for family, their communities and their friends. Dorothy served full-time in the secretarial field in schools and ISEA. She had many hobbies, including personally making hundreds of quilts for others. She served in leadership service in the local church and as a Baptist congregational leader, and in many other leadership roles. She was extremely efficient and gifted in taking on projects, tracking actions, organizing others and being willing to do whatever the task required. She taught her children, ‘All Things Are Possible Through Christ.’ And she lived and exemplified that belief daily!
Dorothy has been an active member of First Baptist Church, Fairfield and the Sac & Fox Lapidary Club, which she and Bill helped reorganize. She and Bill loved traveling, including trips to Japan, Zaire, Spain, Thailand, Hong Kong, Canada, and every state in the US.
Dorothy joyfully lit up when seeing the adorable antics of children, and in particular, her own grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dorothy will be greatly missed by them, beloved nieces and nephews and her own 3 children.
Dorothy is survived by son, John Rathbun (Connie), and daughters Candi Kamm (Mark), and Becky Krause (Steve), grandchildren, Heather and Nathan Rathbun, Nicholas, Tyler (Kaci) and Zach (Meghan) Krause, great grandchildren, Adeline, Jocelyn, Genevieve, Ella, Jonah, Gibson, Oliver and Gwen, one sister-in-law, beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill, many brothers and sisters, and great-granddaughter, Camryn.
Memorials may be made in her honor to the following nonprofits: The Well Resource Center, 1700 S. Main St., Fairfield, IA, 52556 or First Baptist Church, 205 West Broadway, Fairfield Iowa (For the benefit of: International Ministries and American Baptist women).
Cards and memorials can be mailed to John Rathbun at 300 B S Maple Street, Fairfield, Iowa 52556
A memorial service is planned for March 25, 11:00 at First Baptist Church in Fairfield, IA, with visitation beginning at 10:00 and a lunch provided following the service. A private inurnment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield.
