White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Norma M. Rathbun, 93 years old, of Clear Lake, Iowa, formerly of Independence, Iowa, died surrounded by loving family on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at Muse-Norris Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.  She was born in Independence, on March 22, 1926, the daughter of Iver B. and Beulah Marie (Hood) Rathbun.  She graduated from high school in Independence.  Ms. Rathbun was a clerical worker for the C.I.A. with postings in several other countries.  She worked in Sydney, Australia; Okinawa, Japan; Saigon, Vietnam; and Arlington, Virginia.  She remained in Arlington after her retirement, but continued to enjoy traveling the world.  She was the kind of person who could relate to and influence all ages of people.  She inspired everyone to pursue their dreams and to travel.  She enjoyed learning about history and visiting museums, art galleries, and lectures in the Washington, D.C., area.  She liked spending time with her family and children, and was always ready for an adventure.

Ms. Rathbun is survived by 7 nieces and nephews, James (Jeannine) Bunge, Steve (Cindy) Bunge, Kathryn (Stephen Holbrook) Bunge, John Bunge, Doug (Janel) Rathbun, Neal Rathbun, and Kellee Rathbun.  She is also survived by 1 sister-in-law, Shirlee Rathbun of Independence.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother, Herbert Rathbun, 1 sister, Dorothy Bunge, 1 brother-in-law, Lee Bunge, and 1 nephew, Allen Bunge.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church in Independence with Rev. John Hougen officiating.  Burial will be in Wilson Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation an hour before services at the church.  A memorial fund has been established for children’s reading programs.