Kathleen Rupe

December 28, 1958 — June 12, 2024

Kathleen Rupe

Service Details

Kathleen “Kathy” Rupe was born to Jack and Glenda Roby on December 28, 1958 in Des Moines. She passed away surrounded by her family on June 12, 2024 in Des Moines.

Kathy lived in Norwoodville and Des Moines’ Southside. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1976. She was always a loving and extremely caring person. You always knew where you stood with her, she would let you know exactly what was on her mind. After graduating from high school, Kathy spent many years with the Des Moines Public Schools as a teacher associate helping with special needs children. She worked for Link Associates and later with Crest Services, working with physically and mentally handicapped adults. In December of 2023, she retired from Generation Next Day Care where she worked for several years as the cook. She enjoyed watching her boys play sports – baseball, football and wrestling – and later her bonus kids’ – baseball, softball, wrestling and quad racing. She enjoyed her little weekend vacations to neighboring Zoo’s and occasional NHRA Drag Races. But, most of all, she enjoyed her time spent with her kids and grandkids. To anyone that knew her, she was a very special lady

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; step father, Robert Fontanini and twin granddaughters, Lucia and Lily Rupe.

She is survived by her husband, Russell Rupe; children, Travis (Holly) Vasey, Justin (Heidi) Vasey, Michael Rupe, Amanda Rupe, Anthony (Franki) Rupe, Steffany Rupe and Layloni Rupe, 15 grandchildren; siblings, Dan (Barb) Roby, Dana Roby, Jackie Lewiston, Chad (Cindy) Roby, Cherity (Chas) Keller; step mother, Jackie Roby, along with many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

A funeral service will be held at Union Park Grace Fellowship Church, 832 Grandview Ave., Des Moines, Iowa from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Followed by a time of fellowship at the church.

Rest in Paradise

Memorial contributions may be directed to family in loving memory of Kathy.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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