Obituary: Rathbun, Barbara
She was born to the late Dr. Milton Ward and Louise Journey Durham, August 17, 1939, in Portland, Oregon but spent most of her years in Spokane.
She graduated from Lewis and Clark HS in 1957, and went on to become a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, earning a degree from Washington State University in 1961.
She was a faithful WSU alumna and thoroughly enjoyed supporting her beloved Cougars!
Barb married her first husband, Ronald Perry Overstreet, in 1959.
Together they had four children, Lori, Chip, Lisa and Lesli.
During her early years of marriage she had the opportunity to live in Wiesbaden, Germany during which time she was able to travel extensively, building many fond memories.
In 1977 she married the late Charles Paul Rathbun, and welcomed his daughter Julie into the family.
She was married to Chuck until his passing in July 2009.
Barb will be most remembered for her loving spirit, bubbly personality, and her love of sharing her insights.
For those of us that knew her well, her joyful laugh will live in our hearts forever.
In her 40’s, Barb left her job working for the State of Washington and fulfilled her lifelong dream by purchasing The Open Door Bookstore.
It was in her store, later named Namaska, where Barb strove to enhance the lives of others by offering a wide range of spiritual books, products and classes.
Barb welcomed all, and through her love of reading and constant search for new ideas, she helped herself and others grow spiritually and work through life’s challenges.
In her later years Barb spent countless hours with her children and grandchildren, attending baseball games, plays, recitals and just simply loving them.
Barbara is survived by her four children and their spouses, and fifteen grandchildren.
Her memorial service will be held on Monday, April 8, 2013 at The Unity Church, 2900 S. Bernard Street, at 10:00 am.
Charitable donations can be sent in lieu of flowers in Barb’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, National Processing Center, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ackgift2