Barbara Nichols Rubin

1935 - 2021

Barbara Nichols Rubin
December 3, 1935 - January 19, 2021
Elgin, Illinois - Barbara Marie (nee Nichols) Rubin, 85, died Jan. 19, 2021 in Elgin, IL. Barbara was born Dec. 3, 1935 in Kansas City, MO to Charles Grant and Helene Felice (nee Klienman) Nichols.
Barbara graduated from Southwest High School (1953) in K.C., MO. She earned a B.S. in Nursing (1958) from The Univ. of Kansas School of Medicine and an M.S.N. in Community Health Nursing (1984) from The Univ. of Kansas. She helped people through nursing in hospitals, offices and the community. She also was an Asst. Prof. of Nursing at Arkansas State Univ. She received an Outstanding Achievement Award in Nursing from Eta Theta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and was listed in Who's Who in American Nursing.
Barbara put charity above all in her love of family, church and community. She was known for kindness, generosity, and friendship. Barbara married Harvey P. Rubin, M.D. June 21, 1965 in White Plains, NY. She lovingly raised three children before continuing her education/career in nursing. Family moves led to residence in many cities, but Prairie Village, KS, was always "home" during her child, adult, and senior years.
Barbara was a dedicated Episcopalian devoting much time to her home church, Saint Michael and All Angels in Mission, KS, and to membership in The Order of the Daughters of the King.
She was a devoted member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority (KU's Phi Chapter & Alumnae), National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (Stamford, CT & Shawnee Mission, KS DAR Chapters), K.C. Musical Club, and K.C. St. Andrew Society.
Barbara generously served in volunteer, leadership and educational roles. For example, she was a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, a Board of Director and member of many committees with both the American Heart Assoc. of Greater K.C. and Shepherd's Center in K.C., MO, President of the Jackson Co. Women's Auxiliary of the American Heart Assoc., and President of AOPi's Alumnae Assoc. at ASU.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister and brother-in-law Diane (Larry) Valentine and son-in-law Michael Bryla.
Barbara is survived by her children Elizabeth Bryla, Jeffrey Rubin, and Carolyn (James) Shopovick, three grandsons and her sister, Joy Nichols Bohlin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barbara's name may be made to Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 6630 Nall Ave., Mission, KS 66202 or NSDAR (dar.org/giving).
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Full obituary/arrangements:Fox River Cremation Society 630-584-8823 or www.foxrivercremations.com