Maleta Rae Baker Rathbun passed away December 3, 2020. She was born in Endicott, New York on October 7, 1934. She grew up on the family farm and loved animals, especially horses. Maleta rode in rodeos as a barrel racer and in parades winning numerous ribbons and trophies. On October 20, 1951 she married her childhood friend, Earl Bert Rathbun, Jr. In 1959, they moved along with their 5 children to Florida and eventually settled in Holmes County. She worked over 30 years with Tri County Community Council and even after retiring she loved working with the community and volunteering to help with the local food drives. She was generous, hardworking person who had a strong faith in God and loved sharing that with others in the community.
She is survived by her 3 siblings; Audrey (Duane) Ross, Gene (Sandy) Baker, and Sandy (Paul) Jewell of New York State. She is also survived by her 5 children Linda Rathbun, Dan (Lola) Rathbun, Terry Cook, Chris (Harmony) Rathbun, and John Rathbun, 11 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.
She will be missed by her family and friends from the local Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Due to Covid-19, a memorial will be held via Zoom at 4:00 PM CST, December 26. For all those that would like to attend, please contact Chris Rathbun at 850-547-4645 for further information.
Expressions of sympathy may be submitted online at www.williamsfuneralhomeservice.com.
