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KAY MCKIBBEN RUBENDALL
December 6, 1941 -- February 10, 2026
Kay Rubendall, 84, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at her home under hospice care. Visitation will be Thursday, March 12, from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Private burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian.
Kay Rubendall was born on December 6, 1941, to Paul and Frances (Farrens) McKibben in Lincoln, NE. Kay graduated from Omaha Westside High School in 1959. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1963 with honors. After graduation, she worked at the Children's Hospital in Omaha as a speech-language pathologist.
On June 6, 1964, Kay married Jerry Rubendall at Christ the King Catholic Church in Omaha. Together, they settled in Mitchell, and she was hired as the first special education/speech pathologist in the Mitchell School District under Superintendent Dr. Robert McCardle. She retired after 35 years of service.
Kay was an active member of the Republican Party, serving as the State Chairman for Ronald Reagan's Presidential Campaign. She enjoyed hosting everything from political events to family pheasant hunts. She was a life-long fan and season ticket holder of Nebraska Cornhusker Football and was a proud supporter of Mitchell Kernel athletics, enjoying her grandkids' sporting events and concerts. Kay was a fan of the Texas Rangers due to beloved friends, Eddie and Fran Chiles, longtime owners of the Rangers. She was also a Master Gardener and spent countless hours tending to her flowers and yard.
Kay is survived by her husband of 62 years; children, Pat Rubendall of Lake Vermillion, SD, Ann (Sam) Sidner of Lincoln, NE, and John (Kim) Rubendall of Mitchell; former daughter-in-law Nedra (Mike) Larson of Sioux Falls; sister, Lynn Saunders of Portland, OR; six grandchildren and a great-granddaughter; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Jill Meierhenry.
Visitation(s)
Date
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location
6:30 PM Prayer Service
Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301
https://www.bittnerfuneralchapel.com/kay_rubendall
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Waneta Sue Downing (Trowbridge)
From Ann Houck Olmsted: I talked to Kay Rubendahl last Saturday. She had undergone vein surgery in both legs and developed sepsis. She was in the hospital for nine weeks and when they could do no more, she went home under hospice care. Kay told me she was very happy; something she has looked forward to all her life.All her family was there and she got to meet her first Great Grandaughter, born in October. We talked about our families and even joked a bit. We talked about death, but not in a sad way. She was really content with dying. I said, "Well maybe your're happy about your dying, but I'm not." She said she would really miss all her Westside friends as they had been such a big part of her life. She asked if I would let everyone know about her situation, which I have. I told her we would have big Westside reunion in heaven and asked her to save me a place at her table.
I sent her an "I'm Thinking of You" e-card on Tuesday, only to learn on Wednesday she passed away on Monday, her wedding anniversary.
I will miss Kay a lot. I loved her because she was feisty and funny and had a huge heart! God's peace Kay!✝️
Rita Fiene (Reed)
That is sad news, but Ann, what a wonderful conversation to share with us Westies. Wishing her family some peace.