Kathleen M. Rubino
January 14, 2013
Kathleen Rubino, 86, passed away Monday, January 14, 2013, at Luther Park in Des Moines. She was born August 5, 1926, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Graydon and Neomia (Houts) Murphy.
Pat was raised in Maine and Michigan along with her half brother, Bob, later moving to Tacoma to assist in the WWII effort at a Boeing Plant (“Rosie the Riveter”). She has been a resident of Des Moines since 1953 where she raised her three children.
Pat worked as a teacher associate at Park Avenue Elementary and was a payroll clerk for the Des Moines Public Schools. Most recently she was a resident at Luther Park where she volunteered at their store.
Pat taught and played piano, and enjoyed painting, quilting, sewing, and embroidery. She was well known for her handcrafted embroidery cards that many were able to enjoy. Pat also liked to travel, learn about history, go swimming, watch baseball games, cook, bake pumpkin pies, and play cards, especially the game hand and foot. Her special joy came from attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, and spending time with close friends.
She was a woman of faith and an active member of Union Park Baptist Church. Pat was involved in Sunday school, Bible studies, and the quilting group at church. She will be remembered as a tenacious, strong, and independent woman. Above all, she cherished her family and enjoyed spending time with them on birthdays and holidays.
Pat is survived by her children, Dr. Michael (Nancy) Rubino of Greenfield, IN, Patrice (Geary) Messerschmidt of Des Moines, and Vince (Lorrie Campbell) Rubino of Winterset; and grandchildren, Kari (Jon) Messerschmidt-Rogers, Kyle Messerschmidt, and Kacy Messerschmidt. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her special aunt and uncle, Marie and Lewis Preston.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Friday, January 18, 2013, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Food Bank of Iowa in loving memory of Kathleen.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Larry Martindale
01/20/2013
Dear Vince & Michael:
I was so saddened by the recent passing of your loving mother, Kathleen. We were out of town and just returned when I read the obituaries in the Register. Your mother was so proud of you boys. I can remember all of you very well from our days together at Cattell Elementary. I also knew your mother well from our association within the DMPS where I continued to see her frequently in her role as Payroll Clerk. We always talked about you two in glowing terms so I tried to keep tabs on you both. Kathleen was so well liked by everyone she meant and always made you feel happy and important. I will miss her but feel confident that she is truly in heaven and smiling down upon us all as we continue each of our own days here on earth. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your families during this time of need. God Bless you all. We are all better for having been touched by your loving mother.
Janet Hockey
01/17/2013
Vince,
I am very sorry for your loss of your Mother. You and your family are in my prayers.
Holly Settles
01/17/2013
Mike and family,
Although no words can really help to ease the loss, just know that you are very close in every thoughts and prayers.
John and Pam Dowell
01/17/2013
Pat lived in our apartments at 2200 Stanton when we owned them. She made a lovely home for herself, was a good neighbor, and we enjoyed our visits with her. She enjoyed her life to the fullest. We are sorry to hear of her passing.
Jeanine Donovan Nielsen
01/16/2013
Patrice and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. The suddenness makes it difficult, but I hope it was peaceful. We can trust she is with her Lord and Savior now. May that help to comfort all of you during this time.