Obituary

(Photo courtesy Department Of Mathmatics)

Rathbun joined the mathematics staff in 1967 and quickly became a major supporting pillar of its activities. She represented the department to faculty, visitors and students for 27 years before her retirement in 1994.

Her skills and warm spirit rapidly endeared her to all who came through the department. Rathbun became known throughout the world's mathematical community because of her concern for all members of the department and the many students and international faculty constantly flowing through Ann Arbor.

One current faculty member reports that, when he sees former students, visitors or faculty, their first query is "How's Ethel?" Her friendships ranged from members of the National Academy of Sciences to beginning graduate students. Indeed, one department chair referred to her as die Herr of mathematics. She retired after a distinguished career during which she always gave her behind-the-scenes competence and compassion to all with whom she made contact.

Rathbun was born Sept. 15, 1932, in Fairfield Township, the daughter of Leland and Florence Davenport Rathbun. After an early education in a one-room school, she graduated in 1950 from Sand Creek High School, and from Cleary College in Ypsilanti in 1951. From 1960-67 she lived and worked in Germany.

She enjoyed travel and was fortunate enough to have visited all provinces in Canada, except Prince Edward Island, and countries on all continents, except Antarctica. Her parents preceded her in death.

Survivors include her sister, Mary Lou (Eugene) Terbush of Waterford, Mich.; brothers, Allen (Mary) and Richard (Joyce) Rathbun, of Tucson, Ariz.; four nieces and three nephews; and six grandnieces and six grandnephews.

The Department of Mathematics and Professor Emeritus and Mrs. Fred Gehring will host a memorial service for Rathbun from 4-5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Founders Room of the Alumni Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund at Cleary University, 3750 Cleary Dr., Howell, MI, 48843, the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
—Submitted by Suzanne Rogers, Department of Mathematics