Kay Rubendall

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 1960. 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.