Obituary - Laura M. "Lolly" Rathbone

Laura Maxine Rathbone, 86, passed away on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, surrounded by family at the Northern Montana Care Center. Cremation has taken place, and her memorial service will be conducted by Pastor John Bruington on Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m., at Havre Presbyterian Church, 701 4th Ave.

Laura was born on Nov. 11, 1928, at her parents' homestead outside of Hingham, Montana. Nels and Sena Almos moved their family to Havre in 1942 where she later graduated from Havre High School.

In 1946, Laura (nicknamed "Lolly") met Wallace Fay Rathbone (nicknamed "Wally"). A year later, Wally and Lolly were married. Their union was blessed with three daughters, Susan McFarlane, Carol Waagmeester and Teri Rathbone. Her primary hobbies were playing bridge, quilting, reading, golfing, dancing, gardening, hiking and volunteering at Sunnyside Elementary School. She never left the house without a joke to tell.

She was confirmed in the Lutheran Church but later became an active member of the First Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years, where she became an elder later in life. Her (Chapter AZ) P.E.O. sisters were always a great enjoyment, and her friendships meant the world to her. In earlier years, Wally played in a Dixieland jazz band, and Lolly loved to dance. Highlights of their summer vacations included trips to Glacier National Park with friends and family in trailer caravans. During the '60s and '70s, she worked as a medical secretary and sold insurance for Northwestern Mutual.

Lolly adored her two grandsons, Geoffrey McFarlane of Los Angeles, and Dr. Garrett Waagmeester of Portland and was thrilled to know both grandsons were to be married in 2015.

Her chosen sanctuaries were starting mornings with prayer and relaxing in the evenings on her back porch watching her "Rathbone" robins in the birdbath while nibbling on ice cream. In the last season of life, she celebrated laughter and fond memories with family and friends over coffee and an occasional backyard bonfire.

Lolly was preceded in death by husband Wally, sisters, Gladys (Burt) Ophus, Alpha (Bill) Broderick, Jeannette (Allen) Johannessen and Elaine Almos; and brother, Norman Almos.

Remembrances in her honor can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 701 4th Ave., Havre, MT 59501.