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Catherine Rubush

BiographyCatherine Rubush, 83, of Tempe, passed away Thursday, August 27, 2004. She was born on October 20, 1920 to Maurice and Marie Van Erp in Norwood Park, Illinois. She graduated from Milwaukee State Teacher's College, now the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and later went on to earn her master's degree in education from Arizona State University. Catherine began her teaching career in Wisconsin, where she taught primary, intermediate, and high school levels. In 1946, Catherine married Leland H. Rubush. Leland and Catherine moved to Tempe, along with their daughter, Roberta, in June of 1954. Catherine taught at the original Kyrene School for sixteen years, and in 1970, she transferred to the new Waggoner Elementary School. She would continue to teach at Waggoner until her retirement in 1983. Catherine was highly recognized by the school district and community for her teaching efforts and was twice the recipient of the Valley Forge Teacher's Medal. After her retirement, she continued to be an active member in Toastmistress and Tempe Woman's Club. She also donated many hours volunteering for Tempe St. Luke's Auxiliary, the Tempe Historical Museum, and the Petersen House. Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Leland, and her younger sister, Helen. She is survived by her daughter, Roberta Psarakis, her two grandchildren, Forrest and Rachel Psarakis, and her sister, Elizabeth Lewitzke. Catherine was an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. Visitation will be September 1, 2004 at Carr Tenney Mortuary, 2621 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, from 5 to 8 p.m. Services will be on September 2, 2004 at University Presbyterian Church, 139 East Alameda Drive, Tempe, at 10:00 a.m. The family request donations be made in Catherine's memory to the Mayo Foundation for Parkinson's Research, 13400 East Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85259. Sign the Guest Book at eastvalleytribune.com
Published in the East Valley Tribune on 8/31/2004.

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