Tena J. Rubison

Tena J. Rubison age 85, of the Barry Community Care Center died on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 in Blessing Hospital. She was born May 8, 1933 in Macon, MO; a daughter of August and Antoinette (Sargenti) Amedei,and adopted daughter of David and Pauline Carman who adopted Tena after the untimely deaths of her parents.

She married Howard “Joe” Rubison on September 15, 1956 in St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church, and he preceded her in death on September 23, 1991.

Tena was a Registered Nurse in the OB/GYN department at the former St. Mary Hospital She retired after 40 years of service.

Tena was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church. She was a member of the Ladies of St. Francis, the St. Francis “Angel Dusters”; she also sang in the funeral choir and attended daily mass for many years. As an OB nurse, she helped many babies into the world, and as a grandma, she lovingly took care of her grandchildren. Tena was an excellent cook, specializing in Italian food and she was known for her Christmas rum balls. All of these recipes were closely guarded secrets. She loved planting geraniums, marigolds and impatiens. Tena was proud of her family, her heritage, her profession and her faith.

Survivors include her sons, Mark Rubison and his wife Tina of Quincy; Dave Rubison and his wife Becky of Barry; grandchildren, A.J., Tyler, Adrianna and Logan Rubison. Her sister-in-law Ruth Rubison of Carthage, MO; nieces and nephews, Mary Lynne Bordewick and her husband David of Glen Ellyn, IL; Mike Rubison of Lake Forest, IL; Mike and his wife Cindy Giovanini of Columbia, Dan Giovanini and his wife Becky of Columbia, MO; Paula Morris and her husband Paul of Colorado. Many great nieces, great nephews and cousins also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter Jane Rubison, sisters, Katie Amedei and Mary Lou Giovanini, a brother Waldo Amedei and a granddaughter, Lauren Rubison.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4:30 until 7:00 p.m. at Duker & Haugh. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested St. Francis Catholic Church or to the Barry Community Care Center.

12 Comments

  1. Sandy Schulte on November 16, 2022 at 2:42 pm

    Tena was a fabulous nurse-on hand for 2 of my l/d. Wonderful St Mary nurse-a blessing to so many in our community. My condolences to her family.

  2. Tina Gooding on November 16, 2022 at 2:42 pm

    My sympathy to Tena’s family. She was one of my nurses when I was in labor with my oldest daughter. I didn’t know that her daughter, Jane, had passed away. I was sorry to read that too.

  3. Brian Inman on November 16, 2022 at 2:42 pm

    Mark and Dave, I am so sorry for your loss. I know peace will come to you soon and I know her faith has her living a life eternal. Sincerely, Brian Inman

  4. Don Benz on November 16, 2022 at 2:42 pm

    Dave and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace

  5. Robyn Johnson on November 16, 2022 at 2:42 pm

    I worked with Tena as a young nurse in OB. She was a presence in the dept. and left a place in my heart. I have thought of her often over the years, and thank God that he allowed our paths to cross. Prayers for the family at this time.

  6. John badamo on November 16, 2022 at 2:42 pm

    God Speed and RIP Tena! Best OB/GYN ever. Thank You. John and Terri Badamo

  7. Bill Metzinger on November 16, 2022 at 2:42 pm

    Tena was a fabulous wormen and nurse. She loved her God and the mothers and babies she cared for at St. Mary. She is resting with the Lord but we will all miss her.

  8. Nancy Gaebel on November 16, 2022 at 2:42 pm

    Tena delivered all three of my kids. She was an awesome lady and will be missed. So sorry for your loss. Heaven gained an angel.

  9. Susie Bliven Calkins on November 16, 2022 at 2:42 pm

    So sorry for your loss Tena was one of kind and an awesome nurse. Tena worked with my dad (John Bliven) for years at St
    Mary’s. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of Tena

  10. Janice Ewalt on November 16, 2022 at 2:42 pm

    Tena was a wonderful lady. Memories of the WCU and my mother Marian. My sympathy to all the family

  11. Janice Ewalt on November 16, 2022 at 2:42 pm

    Tena was a wonderful lady. Memories of the WCU and my mother Marian. My sympathy to all the family

  12. Cindy Sprinkle on November 16, 2022 at 2:42 pm

    Sending hugs and prayers for your family

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