Karlene Marie (Ruthenbeck) Hubbard was born February 16, 1949. After a long battle with vascular dementia, she passed on February 23, 2023, at age 74, at her longtime home in Monee.
Karlene had a passion for education and taught high school math, as well as was the director of public relations for both Joliet Township School Dist. 204 and Rich Township School Dist. 227. Karlene also served as math and science department chair for Rich East High School. Remembered as a devout Lutheran, she was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Matteson at the time of her death.
Karlene was raised in her beloved Iron Range in Virginia, Minnesota. She was educated at Mesabi Community College and completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Mankato State University (Minnesota State University). After moving to Joliet in the early 1970s, she met her future husband, Jarrett, at Joliet Township High School. They later married on July 26, 1980. Karlene and Jarrett raised their family in Monee and traveled often to the family cabin on Lake Vermilion near Tower, Minnesota. She spent her retirement enjoying traveling with Jarrett to Aruba, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. Karlene also became a crafter, enjoying quilting, card making, and knitting, including making a plethora of blankets and prayer shawls for friends, family, and local nursing homes.
Karlene is survived by her husband, Jarrett T.; son, Jarrett K. (Rebecca); daughter, Jakara; brothers, Karl (Mary) Ruthenbeck and Paul (Jill) Ruthenbeck; sister-in-law Jacqueline (Neal) Green; and brother-in-law, Jeffrey. She was loved by many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues. Karlene was preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Helen.
In honor of Karlene, mourners are invited to join her daughter, Jakara, for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Joliet on September 23. You may join the fundraising team or make a donation at http://act.alz.org/goto/JakaraWalks4Mom.