Kathryn Kay Tobaben

Kathryn “Kay” Tobaben, of Red Oak, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. While our hearts are filled with deep sadness, they are also overflowing with gratitude for the love, laughter, and lasting legacy she leaves behind.

Kay was born on June 4, 1951, in Sedalia, Missouri, to Melvin E. Riecke and Kathleen (Eckhoff) Riecke. She was raised with a deep appreciation for faith, family, education, service, and friendship—values that she carried with her throughout her life.

A bright and driven student, Kay graduated near the top of her class from Callaway High School in Jackson, Mississippi, where she was a member of both the National Honor Society and the Student Council. She began her college studies at Northwestern University before transferring to the University of Central Missouri, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing.

On June 3, 1972, she married the love of her life, Rodney Tobaben, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, Missouri. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three sons who were the pride of her life. To Kay, being a wife and mother was her most important role, and she poured herself into it with love, care, and a tireless devotion.

Kay’s professional journey was marked by a number of achievements. She began her career at Kroger, where she helped open deli departments across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. She made history as the first female manager in Kroger’s Southern Division. Later, she worked in commercial property management in both Nashville and Dallas before choosing to stay home and focus on her family.

In Red Oak, Kay was heavily involved in the school community. She devoted countless hours volunteering with the PTA at every level—from elementary through high school—and was honored with the Texas PTA Extended Service Award and named an Honorary Lifetime Member. She later served as Office Manager at National Packaging and then found one of her most fulfilling roles as School Registrar at Red Oak High School, where she cherished her time with students and staff.

A faithful member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Waxahachie for over 40 years, Kay served as Treasurer and Financial Secretary and was deeply involved in church life. Her warmth, kindness, and gift of conversation made everyone feel welcome and valued.

Kay is survived by her devoted husband of almost 53 years, Rodney Tobaben; her three sons: Ryan Tobaben and wife Melissa, with children Kaylee and Kennedy; Travis Tobaben and wife Brooke, with children True and Brady; and Christopher Tobaben and wife Hannah, with daughter Pippa and a new baby expected in October.

She is also survived by her beloved mother, Kathleen Riecke; her brothers, Melvin (Gene) Riecke II and wife Susana, and Randall (Randy) Riecke and wife Sue Korioth; her brother-in-law, Frank Tobaben and wife Jacque; as well as nieces and nephews January Zell (Rob), Melvin E. Riecke III (Clare), Alex Tobaben (Jenny), Thomas Riecke, Mitch Tobaben, and Jenny Riecke (Ian).

She was preceded in death by her father, Melvin E. Riecke; her maternal grandparents Ralph and Ruby Eckhoff; and her paternal grandparents, Max and Hazel Riecke.

Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Wayne Boze Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Waxahachie, TX officiated by Rev. Jared Raebel. Interment will follow at Myrtle Cemetery in Ennis, TX. Pallbearers are Glen Domstead, Clay Allison, Gary Thompson, Jerry Welk, Gary Montgomery, and Steve Johnson. Honorary pallbearers include Larry Eckhoff, Mike Shaw, and Tom Batchelor.

In remembrance of Kay, may we carry forward her legacy of grace, gratitude, and generosity. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Kay’s name may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at https://www.nationalmssociety.org/.