Karen Kay Geubelle

In Loving Memory of Karen Kay Geubelle

     Karen Kay Geubelle, beloved mother and Nannie, passed away on January 19th, 2026, at the age of 84 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born on June 1st, 1941, in Winfield, Kansas, she was the cherished daughter of Kerrell and Elizabeth McGee. Kay spent her childhood in Wellington, Kansas, where she lived on a wheat farm until age six before the family moved into town. She graduated from Wellington High School in 1959.

On December 9th, 1961, Kay married the love of her life, John Geubelle, in Hollister, California. She was married to John Geubelle until his passing in 2010. John dedicated 38 years to the Coast and Geodetic Survey within the Defense Mapping Agency, and together they traveled extensively across the United States. During their many relocations, Kay fearlessly drove a 1971 Plymouth, towing a boat and shepherding three young children to each new destination. Those road-trip adventures became treasured family stories, retold with laughter and love.

Their final move brought them to the Land of Enchantment—Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1974. It was there that Kay discovered her passion for gardening, eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring each year. Nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her family. She supported her children in their sports and activities and served on advisory boards within their school district, always showing up with dedication and pride.

Kay is survived by her three children: Mark Geubelle and his wife, Jenny Geubelle, Greg Geubelle and his wife, Sandra Geubelle; Darcy Geubelle Salopek and her husband, Louie Salopek.

She was a proud nannie and great-nannie, and her legacy continues through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mark’s daughter Hannah Geubelle, Greg’s children include Francis Geubelle and his wife, Michelle Charmoun, and their children John and Noa Geubelle; and Alexandria Geubelle and her husband, Jeff Canales. Darcy’s family includes her son Brennen Jeffers and his wife, Tierney Jeffers, and their children Tyler, Sayler, and Asher Jeffers; as well as her stepson Brycen Salopek and his wife, Jacie Salopek, and their daughter Westyn Salopek.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 am on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Getz Funeral Home.