Karen Kay Geubelle

In Loving Memory of Karen Kay Geubelle

Karen Kay Geubelle, beloved mother and Nannie, passed away on January 19th, 2026, at the age of 84 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born on June 1st, 1941, in Winfield, Kansas, she was the cherished daughter of Kerrell and Elizabeth McGee. Kay spent her childhood in Wellington, Kansas, where she lived on a wheat farm until age six before the family moved into town. She graduated from Wellington High School in 1959. 

On December 9th, 1961, Kay married the love of her life, John Geubelle, in Hollister, California. She was married to John Geubelle until his passing in 2010. John dedicated 38 years to the Coast and Geodetic Survey within the Defense Mapping Agency, and together they traveled extensively across the United States. During their many relocations, Kay fearlessly drove a 1971 Plymouth, towing a boat and shepherding three young children to each new destination. Those road-trip adventures became treasured family stories, retold with laughter and love. 

Their final move brought them to the Land of Enchantment—Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1974. It was there that Kay discovered her passion for gardening, eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring each year. Nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her family. She supported her children in their sports and activities and served on advisory boards within their school district, always showing up with dedication and pride. 

Kay is survived by her three children: Mark Geubelle and his wife, Jenny Geubelle, Greg Geubelle and his wife, Sandra Geubelle; and Darcy Geubelle Salopek and her husband, Louie Salopek. 

She was a proud nannie and great nannie, and her legacy continues through her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mark’s daughter Hannah Geubelle, Greg’s children include Francis Geubelle and his wife, Michelle Charmoun, and their children John and Noa Geubelle; and Alexandria Geubelle and her husband, Jeff Canales. Darcy’s family includes her son Brennen Jeffers and his wife, Tierney Jeffers, and their children Tyler, Sayler, and Asher Jeffers; as well as her stepson Brycen Salopek and his wife, Jacie Salopek, and their daughter Westyn Salopek. 

Kay also shared a special bond with her beloved dog, Jack, who was her loyal companion and constant source of comfort and joy. 

After years of traveling the country, Kay found her professional home as a talented bookkeeper at Tires Center Plus, where she worked for more than 25 years. She adored working with Mike and Emily Schuettie and Joey Ikard, who valued her strong work ethic so deeply that they never wanted her to retire. Kay continued working into her early 80s, a testament to her dedication and spirit. 

As one reflection so beautifully states: 

“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought, and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.” 

Kay’s legacy lives on in the family she adored, the memories she created, and the love she gave so freely.

Services will be held at Getz Funeral Home on February 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM in Las Cruces, NM.