Kathy Ruebel

Kathy Ruebel, 70, of Berrien Springs, passed away, Monday, March 1, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, March 5, 2021 at 11am at the First Church of God, 2627 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, with Rev. David Colp officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10-11 am. Memorial donations in Kathy’s name may be made to the First Church of God or the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. To live-stream Kathy’s service please go to https://myfirstchurch.online.church/">https://myfirstchurch.online.church/</a>. Those wishing to sign Kathy’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Kathy was born July 12, 1950 in Decatur, Illinois to Roy & Margarette (Hinton) Farrell. She graduated from Decatur High School, Class of 1968. Kathy furthered her education with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, a Master’s in Special Education from the University of Missouri in St. Louis, and a Master’s in Education Leadership from National Louis University in Chicago. On November 26, 1978, Kathy married Douglas Ruebel in Bellville, Illinois. Kathy taught at Francis Howell School in St. Charles, Missouri for twenty years, and spent ten years as a teacher, later becoming principal in the Plainfield, Illinois School District. In 2012, she and Doug moved to Berrien Springs where she was active in many community projects—The Krasl Art Center and project director for Schools of Hope-an after school tutor program in the Benton Harbor School District. Kathy was a member of the First Church of God where she was active in Bible Study Fellowship, outreach programs and volunteer projects. She was also active in the First Congregational Church Women’s Book Club. Kathy was a past member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority and Michigan Rho Women’s Education Sorority of St. Joseph. Kathy is survived by her husband of forty-two years-Doug; three children-Matthew (Yvonne) Ruebel of Austin, TX, Christopher (Kelly) Ruebel of Plainfield, IL, Dr. Meghan Ruebel of Denver, CO; seven grandchildren; her sister Dr. Sherri Tracy of Statesboro, GA; several nieces & nephews; and her canine companions-Gracie & Rylee. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother-in-law Russ Tracy.