Frances Kathryn "Kathie" Rueger

Frances Kathryn “Kathie” Rueger, 83, of Beattie, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at Stratford Commons Memory Care in Overland Park, Kansas.

Kathie was born on October 11, 1942, in Marysville, Kansas, to Everett Whitten and Marthalene (Holman) Whitten. From an early age, Kathie displayed a deep love for music that would remain a defining part of her life. As a young girl and throughout high school, she sang and performed in the band, playing the flute and piccolo, often earning top ratings at music contests. Music was not simply an interest—it was her joy and her gift.

Kathie graduated from Marysville High School in 1960 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Music from Emporia State University in 1964. That same year, on February 8, 1964, she married Major General James Francis Rueger at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka, Kansas. Though not raised on a farm, Kathie embraced farm life wholeheartedly after moving with Jim to the family farm north of Beattie. She became a devoted farm wife—raising their two children, working full time, helping with harvest, and lending a hand wherever it was needed. Her life reflected quiet strength, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to her family.

Kathie began her teaching career in 1964 with USD 364 in Beattie, serving as a kindergarten teacher, high school, and elementary music teacher. She influenced generations of children with patience, encouragement, and creativity. Even after retiring in 2000, Kathie continued to substitute teach for many years, remaining a beloved presence in the school district she cherished.

Music was the thread that wove through every chapter of Kathie’s life. For decades, she offered piano lessons to children throughout the community, often hosting recitals in the family home. She was especially known for the Beattie Elementary School operettas, serving as pianist and musical director. After retirement, she continued sharing her love of music as a member of the Marshall County Community Band.

At St. Malachy Catholic Church in Beattie, Kathie served faithfully as an organist, pianist, cantor, and choir organizer. She provided music for numerous weddings and funerals, organized choirs and instrumentalists for Christmas Mass, and sang with a regional choir that traveled to neighboring Catholic parishes.

Kathie was deeply devoted to her children and family. She was a proud 4-H mom, always helping with projects, attending events, and ensuring her children learned responsibility, kindness, and thoughtfulness toward others. She instilled the habit of gratitude—writing thank-you notes and saving newspaper clippings to celebrate others. Kathie was immensely proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending their activities whenever possible and celebrating every milestone.

Birthdays were sacred to Kathie—she was known for calling loved ones to sing “Happy Birthday,” not only to her children, but to friends and extended family as well. Christmas held a special place in her heart; she famously kept a Christmas tree up year-round, decorating it to reflect each season.

As a military spouse, Kathie faithfully supported Jim throughout his service. When he prepared to deploy to Vietnam, she spent time at Fort Carson, Colorado, before returning to Beattie while Jim served overseas. Later, during Jim’s tenure as Kansas Adjutant General, Kathie spent summers in Topeka with him and school years back in Beattie, continuing her teaching career. She was active in the Kansas National Guard Family Readiness Group, supporting other military families during deployments. With her beautiful voice, she was often invited to sing the National Anthem at military ceremonies and events.

Kathie was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Chi Omega, P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), and the Daughters of the American Revolution, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education, service, and community.

She loved to travel—once famously traveling to China on her own, undeterred by the opinions of her children. She enjoyed shopping trips with friends and had a soft spot for lambs and cats, animals that mirrored her gentle and nurturing spirit.

Kathie was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Marthalene Whitten; her husband, Major General James Francis Rueger, who passed away on April 16, 2005; and her sister, Martha Ann Whitten.

She is survived by her son, John Whitten Rueger (Carrie) of Lenexa, Kansas, her daughter, Jennifer Anne Rueger of Overland Park, Kansas; six grandchildren—Maddison Lopez (Domingo Lopez II), Gavin Downard (Parker), Alexander Rueger, Caroline Rueger, Colton Rueger, and Grayson Rueger; and two great-grandchildren, Domingo Lopez III and Maeve Downard.

Kathie found good in everyone she met and went out of her way to acknowledge others with a smile, a greeting, or a conversation. Even in her final days, she was known for smiling at those who cared for her.

Visitation with family present was held from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville. A rosary service followed at 7:00 p.m. at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church in Beattie.

A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 23, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church.  Father Jim Shaughnessy officiated.

The pallbearers were David Holthaus, Dennis Holthaus, Doug Holthaus, Scott Rueger, Jason Rueger and Brad Heiman.

Burial followed in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, north of Beattie.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Beattie Museum, St. Malachy's Catholic Church or the Kansas National Guard Museum. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, Kansas 66508.