Crystal "Criss" Rathbun, 75, a long-time resident of rural Crook County, passed away August 31, 2010 at the Crook County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at the Old Sundance Gymnasium with Pastor Jim Palus officiating. Graveside services will follow at the Miller Creek cemetery. Fellowship with friends and family will be at Camp Beard (RAM Center), located 0.6 miles west of Devils Tower Junction, following the services.

Criss was born July 29, 1935 in Forest Grove, Oregon, daughter of Charles and Florence Lillian (Matteson) Kirk. She grew up on a wheat farm in eastern Oregon, and then moved to Crook County with her parents (Florence and stepfather Ken Hutchins) to finish her last year of high school in Sundance. Crystal married Roger (Bo) Rathbun in April 1955, and together they raised five children on the family ranch on Miller Creek.

Criss was an avid and talented quilter, creating many treasured heirlooms for her family. She also found joy in the beautiful flowers she grew and in the bounty from her garden, which she lovingly and patiently tended to. Criss took pleasure in writing poetry, much of it about rural life. Crystal was always active in the community, dedicating much of her time to the local community hall and 4-H clubs. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hulett, the Quilter's Guilds in Moorcroft and Spearfish, the Crook County Volunteer Fireman's Auxiliary, the Bearlodge Writers Group, and the local Farm Bureau organizations.

In addition to being a homemaker, Criss also helped operate the family outfitting business and from that came many life-long friendships. She truly delighted in hosting guests at her bed and breakfast, "A Little Bit of Heaven". She was a founding distributor for Lucas Oil Products. Above all of this, she held her family closest to her heart.

Crystal was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Clint Timmons, her husband, Roger (Bo), and her grandson, Brad Tenke. She is survived by her children; daughter Melody (Don) Hamm of Rozet, son Kenny (Denise) of Sundance, son Randy of Gillette, daughter Billie Jo (Steve) Young of Gillette and son Tony (Tamie) of Sundance as well as thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the First Baptist Church of Hulett, and the Sunny Divide Community Hall.