Encarnacion Rathbun

Encarnacion Rathbun, age 77, of Hastings, MN, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Known for her warmth and generosity, she touched the lives of everyone she met. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on March 31, 2025.

Born on October 20, 1947, in Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac, Philippines, she was the daughter of Osmundo and Simprosa (Santiago) Balanay. Growing up as one of eight siblings, Encarnacion cherished family gatherings and was active both at home and in school. She participated in local community traditions such as the Sta. Ignacia Society of America (SISA) and graduated as the valedictorian of Sta. Ignacia High School.

In the late 1960s, she immigrated to the United States, where she dedicated her life to loving, supporting, and encouraging her five children—Cristobal, Mary Anne, Michelle, Linda, and Andrew. She completed programs in Flower Arranging & Floristry and Interior Design and operated a gift store and business called E.R. Imports. She was known for her outgoing nature, enjoyed picnics at the park and beach, loved creating flower arrangements and decorating, and had a chic sense of style. She had a room dedicated to sewing and made many cute matching outfits for her children and herself.

Encarnacion worked for West Publishing Company, now Thomson Reuters, for 32 years before retiring. She was responsible for codes and statutes publishing and worked in the library. After retirement, she continued part-time work at two of her favorite stores, Hancock Fabrics and Kohl's. Deeply connected to the Filipino community, she actively participated in the Santacruzan, a procession that commemorates the discovery of the Holy Cross. Her strong Catholic faith guided her generous and compassionate spirit, and she loved serving in the church, especially in greeting and concessions.

On June 11, 1980, Encarnacion married Albert Rathbun, her loving husband of 45 years. Together, they enjoyed dancing, visiting casinos, playing bingo, and traveling to cherished destinations, including the Philippines, San Diego, Las Vegas, and winter stays in Mesa, Arizona. An exceptional cook, she loved hosting family and friends, ensuring everyone was well-fed with her signature dishes like lumpia, pancit, adobo, rice cake, and shish kebabs. Always thinking of others, she made extra batches of lumpia to share with friends, family, and neighbors.

Encarnacion was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Addison Aardappel, grandson Nicolas Aardappel, and siblings Aida, Apolinario, and Rogelio. She is survived by her devoted husband, Albert; her children Cristobal (Marilou), Mary Anne, Michelle (Frank), Encarnacion Linda (John), and Andrew (Rachel); 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; siblings Erlinda, Dominador Sr., Rosalina, Dominga, Marcelina, Rebecca and Osmundo; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, April 7, 2025, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 380 Roselawn Ave E, St Paul, MN 55117, with visitation one hour prior to Mass from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the church. A reception will follow the Mass. Burial will occur at St. Agatha's Cemetery, 4223 170th St E, Rosemount, MN 55068, following the reception.

If you are unable to attend, a live stream of the Mass will be available at this link: https://youtube.com/live/IDc08K1IcJY?feature=share 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.