Mary “Jean” Rubendall, 91, of Mesa, AZ peacefully passed away on July 12, 2020 at Brookdale Baywood memory care in Mesa, AZ. A celebration of life will be held at a later date undertermined.
Jean was born on February 25, 1929 in Ames, IA to Archie and Alma (Clapp) Sills.
Jean grew up in Ames, Iowa where she met Ernest “Bud” Rubendall and married on August 31, 1947. Jean and Bud raised their 4 children while living in Belmond, Clarion, Eagle Grove, Ames and Grinnell, IA.
Jean’s love for cooking lead her to a career of cooking. Jean and Bud owned several restaurants though the years and in 1965 moved to Grinnell to open Pagliai’s Pizza and The Other Side Supper Club. In 1978 Jean and Bud moved to Mesa, Arizona to retire. However, Jean returned to work as a cook at Arizona State University and later became the Food Service Director at a retirement community in Mesa. She retired officially in 1996. After retiring for the 2nd time, Jean volunteered for Banner Hospitals and her local Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Apache Junction.
Jean enjoyed raising Boston Terriers, baking, making candies, oil painting, dancing, gardening, playing dominos and bingo. Jean loved and cherished time spent with her family and friends. Jean never knew a stranger and was always the life of any gathering.
Jean was proceeded in death by parents, her 5 brothers Russ Sills, Ralph Sills, Ernie Sills, Dwight Sills and David Sills, one sister LaValle Von Tersch, her husband Bud, sons Dan Rubendall and Charlie Rubendall, grand-daughters Tammy Fleming and Melissa Hosey, great grandchildren Jeremy Bilotta and Kasey Hosey.
Jean is survived by her daughters Valerie (Dick) Hughes of Mesa, AZ and Susan (Rick) Ford of Grinnell, IA, thirteen grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren plus many nieces and nephews.
Designation of memorial contributions has not been determined at this time.
Jean was one of the best friends any one could ever have. She will be missed by
many family and friends.
So sorry for your loss. She was a sweetheart!
Such a loving and caring aunt that will be missed but remembered with loving and wonderful memories. My heart goes out to all in the family.