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In Memoriam

Marian Gertrude Rathbone (Purdue) - Class Of 1930

Marian Gertrude Rathbone, daughter of Jay Guy (1884-1944) and Allie M. (Allen) (1891-1953) Rathbone, was born 21 February 1913 Mason, Ingham County, Michigan.  She graduated in 1930 from Okemos High School and went on to graduate from Western State Teacher's College.  She came back to Okemos as a qualified teacher and for many years taught in the school system.  Marion had a younger brother, Lee, who was also a graduate of Okemos High.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Wednesday 6 April 1932

Miss Marian G. Rathbone, Okemos, returned to Western State Teachers' college Monday after spending spring vacation with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jay G. Rathbone.

Marian married Vern G. Purdue in 1958.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Tuesday 18 November 1958

MARION RATHBONE EXCHANGES VOWS'  (Note misspelling of Marian)

Miss Marion G. Rathbone, a teacher in the Okemos schools, and Vern Purdue exchanged wedding vows recently in the North Presbyterian church.

Rev. N. T. Keiser and Rev. Howard Johnson officiated at the ceremony performed before members of the immediate families and a few close friends.

Following the rites, a reception was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Rathbone, of Sandhill rd.

Vern, born 4 March 1897, Gratiot County, Michigan, was a veteran of World War I and a widower.  He served with the Ohio National Guard Co C 6th Infantry transferring to Co C 147 Infantry from 18 June 1917 until honorable discharge 20 November 1917, Fort Sheridan, Illinois.  Vern had a 10% disability.  He was admitted to the US National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers Milwaukee, Wood County, Wisconsin 24 August 1932 due to a heart condition.  Vern was released from the hospital 13 September 1932.  Vern was employed as a machinist for many years.

Vern first married widow Sadie Lowdayk (or Lodewyk) in 1931.  Sadie's husband died of typhoid fever in Texas in 1930.  She had two small sons.  Sadie, born 1899, died 1958.  She was interred next to her first husband, Arthur B. Small, Mount View Cemetery, McBain, Missaukee County, Michigan.

Vern was a music man.  He organized and orchestrated several bands over the years including "Vern Purdue's Music Makers."  He died 16 July 1967, Isabella County, Michigan

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Monday 17 July 1967

Vern G. Purdue, 70, Farwell, died Sunday in Central Michigan Community Hospital, Mt. Pleasant.

A former resident of Lansing, he was a member of North Presbyterian Church, a veteran of World War I, a member of Corning Lodge 335 F&AM, DeWitt Clinton Consistory, Lansing Federation of Musicians, Clare Rod and Gun Club, Farwell Lodge IOOF, National Rifle Association of American and was employed at Melling Forge for 16 1/2 years.

Surviving are his wife, Marion G.; two stepson, Keith Small of Lansing and Kenneth Small of Williamston; a sister, Mrs. Elsie Greer of North Star; a brother, Archie Purdue of Texas; a foster-daughter, Mrs. James Bordes of East Lansing; nine grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

Services will be in the Estes-Leadley Colonial Chapel at 1 p.m. Wednesday, with burial in Leek Cemetery.

Marian died 27 May 1995 Clare County, Michigan.  Vern and Marian were interred Leek Cemetery, Okemos.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Tuesday 30 May 1995

PURDUE, MARIAN GERTRUDE

FARWELL, MI

Marian Gertrude Purdue, age 81, died on Saturday morning, May 27, 1995 at the Clare Nursing Home in Clare, MI.  Marian was born the daughter of Jay and Allie (Allen) Rathbone in Mason, MI on February 21, 1914.  She was united in marriage to Vern Purdue in Lansing, MI in 1958.  He preceded her in death.  Marian was a retired school teacher.  She belonged to the Alice L. Seeley chapter of the Order of Eastern Stars of Farwell and the Gold Leaf Rebekah Lodge of Farwell.  Marian is survived by a sister-in-law, Helen Rathbone of Mason; a nephew, Ward J. Rathbone of Olympia, WA; and a niece, Lora Lee Ion of Louisville, KY; along with 2 grand-nephews, 2 grand-nieces; and 1 great, grand-nephew; and many other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by Lee Rathbone.  Funeral services for Marian G. Purdue will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 30, 1995 from the Coker Funeral Home of Farwell, MI, with burial in the Leek Cemetery in Alaiedon Township, MI.

Comment from Sherrie Paty Barber, St. Cloud, Florida

"Miss Rathbone" was my Sunday School teacher!  I remember being unashamedly excited on one particular Promotion Sunday (moving up into the next Sunday School class, according to age) because I was going into Miss Rathbones class.  She was adored by all the little girls and it was such a priviledge to be one of "her girls."  And how I loved her class.  She was a great childrens Bible teacher.  I also recall our little class being invited, an annual event, to her home to bake Christmas cookies.  Oh, how elated I was.....going to MISS RATHBONES!!!!!!  The old farm house kitchen was huge (now remember, I'm just 8-9 years old) and had so many big things in it.  It was a delightful afternoon and just being with Miss Rathbone made it all the more special.  I was so sad when she married and was no longer a Sunday School teacher.  My one year with her was an amazing season in my young life.  Ah --- Miss Rathbone!