Abbie Rathbun

Mass of Christian burial for Abbie Rathbunwas held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Fort Pierre, SD.

Interment was in the Scotty Philip Cemetery in Fort Pierre, SD. Isburg Funeral Home of Pierre, SD, was in charge of arrangements.

On April 21, 1938, Abbie Marie Soesbe was born to Glenn and Edith Soesbe in Hot Springs, NM (aka Truth or Consequences), the first of five children. During Abbie’s childhood, her father worked as a foreman and supervisor for Mittry Brothers building dams, which led to the family moving around. NM led to AZ, to Gregory, SD (site of the original family homestead), and on to five more cities in CA, KS, and MO before finally landing in Ft. Pierre.

Abbie’s independence was formed early, as her mother passed away when Abbie was only 13. As the oldest of the children, she picked up a maternal role that she would carry with her for the rest of her life.

As Abbie was finishing up high school in Ft. Pierre, she met Raymond Rathbun, and they were married on August 2, 1956. Abbie and Ray together raised four children: Brad, Carla, Carl, and Anne.

Abbie worked as the business manager at Fort Pierre Schools. She went on to become a realtor, and finished her career working for the State of South Dakota, where she served as the head of the energy assistance and weatherization programs under three different governors.

In Ft. Pierre, Abbie and Ray had a home on the river. Spending time on the river pontooning with friends and family brought laughter and a love of life, creating cherished friendships and memories of a life well lived. Her early life cultivated a love of learning about cultures of different communities and other locales. Abbie and Ray traveled to Europe, took cruises (including one through the Panama Canal and an Alaskan cruise), and toured all over the US. They were joined on many of the adventures by her sister Sheryl and brother-in-law Jerry, friends, and family. In retirement, Abbie and Ray wintered in Texas, enjoying community and a wide variety of friends.

Abbie’s favorite times were spent with family and friends, playing bridge, boating, traveling, dining out, and experiencing the vast landscape and varied communities in South Dakota. She enjoyed being social and outgoing and enjoyed spending evenings with friends and sharing conversation.

Abbie Marie Rathbun of Fort Pierre, SD, passed away at her home on April 19, 2023.

She is survived by her children Brad (Mindy) Rathbun, Carla Bruning (Tom Winter), Carl (Lorri) Rathbun, and Anne Rathbun; siblings Sheryl Hawkins and Rod (Judy) Soesbe; sisters-in-law Cherie Soesbe and Suzette Adams; grandchildren: Carisa (Aaron), Curt (Cynthia), Lindee (Alex), Kaycee (Dustin), Corey (Kara), Jennifer (Beau), Josh (Amanda), Abbie (Thomas), Nicole, Ashlee (Greg), Carlie, Rayleen (Nick), and Jordain; over thirty great-grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Abbie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ray, brothers Terry and Jack, brother-in-law Jerry Hawkins, nephew Michael Hawkins, and grandson Tyler.