Betty Jane Rathbun

Betty Jane Rathbun nee Sparr, 90, of Vero Beach, was born on January 25, 1927 to Ralph and Ruth Sparr in Medina, Ohio.

Jane graduated from Garfield High School and the City Hospital School of Nursing in Akron, Ohio.

After graduation she came to Florida to visit her parents and met the love of her life, Ronald, while rowing on Turkey Creek and she never left.

They received their marriage license in 1949 from Indian River County and were married in Melbourne.

She began her nursing career at Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami and then became the office nurse for Doctors Kaminski and Gaden in Melbourne. After that she became an emergency room nurse and surgical nurse at the old Melbourne Hospital.

After taking time off to raise two sons she went to work in real estate with her husband and together they built a successful business. Among Jane’s many accomplishments, she was on the founding board and President of the YMCA, President of the Realtors Association of Indian River County, President of Republican Women Aware, and Chairman of the Jeb Bush for Governor Campaign. She and Ron were also founding members of the Fort Pierce Yacht Club where they were avid racers and a Regatta trophy is named for them.

When they retired she and Ron got on their 41 foot Morgan and cruised the Caribbean all the way to Venezuela and back. They had the time of their lives and enjoyed meeting many interesting people, making many friends and having some great adventures. She was never happier than when they were cruising, going out to eat or having friends and family over for a party or dinner. She loved having people around and any excuse for a gathering was all she needed to create a party. And throughout her life, Jane had the kind and loving heart of a nurse and always tried to find the good in any situation.

Jane is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ron; her sons Lee and Jim; a grandson Bradlee; her sisters Joan McCain and Diane Sparr; her sister in law Joan Chadwick and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother Ralph (Buster)Sparr and her parents.

A visitation will be held 3-5 p.m., Thursday, March 16th with a 5 p.m. Funeral Service to follow at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home, Vero Beach.

Donations may be made to VNA Hospice of Indian River County, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.