Ella Mae "Kay" Putbrese

Ella (Kay) Mae Putbrese lived a wonderful fulfilling life. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, she passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, at the age of 92. She lived each day with faith, love, humility, and a generous heart.

Kay was born in Akron Ohio on May 8, 1933 to Raymond and Marie Kinley. In 1947 her family moved to Des Moines Iowa, where she graduated from Saint Joseph Academy. After high school, she worked as a bank teller, where she met the love of her life, Charles (Chuck) Edward Putbrese. They married on November 8th, 1953, and remained inseparable for over 71 incredible years. When Chuck was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, Kay faithfully supported him throughout his 21 year career, embracing the role of a dedicated officer's wife. Together they raised seven children, six sons and one daughter. She was an amazing loving mother who managed the busy life of a large family, ensuring every child felt cared for and cherished.

Kay's deep faith guided every part of her life; she had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In 1976, Kay and Chuck made the life-changing decision to return to Des Moines and transformed a country radio station in Norwalk into a Christian station. KWKY soon became Iowa's #1 Christian radio station, bringing peace and hope to thousands. In 2005, with the support of their son John and many devoted Catholics, Kay and Chuck established Iowa Catholic Radio, making KWKY the first Catholic station in the state.

At Christ the King Catholic Church, Kay served faithfully as she supported Deacon Chuck. For many years she directed the women's Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) ministry, touching countless lives by leading women closer to Christ. She had a gift for ministering and counseling, drawing others nearer to God.

Beyond her faith and ministry, Kay enjoyed traveling with her husband, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and offering comfort and encouragement to everyone she met. She will always be remembered for her warm spirit, her ability to connect with others, and her unwavering devotion to helping those in need. Kay will always be in our hearts.

Kay is survived by her sons Steve (Maureen), Kevin, Mark (Kim), Dan, John (Debbie), and Keith; son-in-law Scot; grandchildren Sean, Michael, Kaylee, Megan, Matthew, Danielle, Conrad, Steven, Marie, Charles, John, Elizabeth, Emma, and Grace; and great-grandchildren Tom, Will, Claire, Ella, Luca, and Ezra. She is also survived by her sister Martha Maselko, brother Raymond Kinley (Sarah), and many nephews, nieces, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Chuck, daughter Heather Sorensen, her parents, Raymond and Marie Kinley, brothers George, Jack, and Richard Kinley.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Scottish Rite and Suncrest staff for the compassionate care they provided during Kay's final days.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Christ the King Catholic Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

A celebration of Kay's life will start on Sunday, September 14, with her Wake visitation from 5 – 7:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Chapel (7601 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321). Her funeral Mass will be on Monday, September 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church (5711 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315). Kay will be laid to rest with Chuck on Tuesday, September 16, at 9:30 a.m. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery (34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, IA 50003).