Ann Rubenbauer, 66
Ann Rubenbauer, 66, surrounded by her loving family, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 19, 2020. Ann had a long and courageous battle with breast cancer but was determined and positive through her journey. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.
Ann was born on June 9, 1953, to Elmer and Ardis (Olson) Benson. She was raised in the “Highland Herefords” farm south of Le Grand. She graduated from L.D.F. high school in 1971 and received an AA degree from Ellsworth Community College, and a BA and Masters Degree from Iowa State University.
Ann worked in the marketing department at Fisher Controls for 16 years and at Iowa Valley Community College District for 25 years. She was a talented graphic designer who won many awards for her designs. Her love of the older population led her to become a medication aide where she worked part time at Grandview Heights Re-Hab and Healthcare for 15 years.
In October 2016, Ann was given the honor of speaking at the UnityPoint Health Marshalltown Foundation’s annual breast cancer awareness luncheon. Her message of inspiration and hope touched many who attended.
Ann enjoyed reading, riding the Iowa bike trails, discovering small town cafes with her husband Gary and participating in a local cooking club. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.
Ann was a board member of Live On Stage Marshalltown, a member of the YMCA-YWCA LIVESTRONG committee, a volunteer member of the Unity Healthcare Foundation-Marshalltown Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon and a member of the Stavanger Friends Church.
Ann will be forever loved and her memory will be cherished by her husband Gary, of 44 years; her daughter Disa (Blair) Benefield, of Knoxville, TN; son Jamin Rubenbauer, of Waukee, IA; four grandsons: Gibson, Calvin, Caffrey and Lleyton Benefield, of Knoxville, TN. Others to cherish her memory are her sister Deb (Mike) Ashby, of rural Gilman; brothers Randy Benson, of Des Moines and Grant (Elizabeth) Benson, of Minneapolis, MN; her sister-in-laws Sue Matheny, of Paradise, CA, Rita Frederick (Joel Beane), of Marshalltown, and Kathy (Reg Zwemke), of Marshalltown, and many adoring aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Ardis (Olson) Benson and her grandparents, Marion and Myrtle Olson, Herb and Helen Benson, and step-grandmother Kate Benson, as well as several aunts and uncles.
Services for Ann will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2020, at 10:30 am at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Memorials in Ann’s name may be directed to the Iowa River Hospice or the Hope Lodge in Rochester. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.
Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Ann and her family.