Mary Katherine Ament-Rupp, 96, passed away peacefully in Dubuque on June 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted mother, educator and pillar of her community, Mary lived a life defined by faith, service and dedication to others.
The Holy Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be at 10:30 am on Friday, June 19, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant and Deacon Bill Black assisting. Additional visitation prior to internment will be on Saturday, June 20, at Boothby Funeral Home-Greenwood-Schubert Chapel in Cherokee, from 12-1:30 p.m., where the Holy Rosary will be recited at 12:15 and will be followed by burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cherokee. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.
Mary K. was born on July 21, 1929, to John and Kathleen (Noonan) Reilly on the family farm east of Sibley. She grew up immersing herself in her education, attending Holmand #2 Country School through the eighth grade and graduating from Sibley High School in 1947. She went on to attend Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, obtaining a teaching degree. Mary began her professional journey teaching second grade at Everly for one year.
On June 9, 1951, she was united in marriage to Delmer L. Ament. Together, they moved to Cherokee, where Mary joined Del in their farming operations, building a life deeply rooted in family and community.
Mary K.and Del were blessed with a large family, raising six daughters: Julie Ann, Mary Elizabeth (Betsy), Ellen Margaret, Gillian Elaine (Jill), Stephanie Jean and Teresa Lee (Teri).
Mary K. was a woman of profound faith and boundless energy, actively giving her time to numerous organizations. She was a dedicated member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she also shared her faith by teaching fifth-grade CCD religion, serving as the Past Regent of the Catholic Daughters and Vice-President of the Ladies Guild. Driven by a desire to help those in need, Mary was one of the founders of the Christian Action Program (CAP) food pantry, which she faithfully managed for several years.
Mary K. was also active in local civic life, serving as a leader of the 4-H Cherokee County Cloverettes and Vice-Chair of the Cherokee County Democrats. Her lifelong contributions were recognized with the prestigious Guy Gillette Award, and honored with an invitation to the White House during Pope John II’s visit.
Mary K. and Del enjoyed traveling, playing cards and visiting family. They took pleasure in escaping the harsh Iowa winters to their winter home in Mission, Texas. After the passing of Del, her husband of 49 years, Mary was later united in marriage to Norman Rupp.
Mary K. is survived by five daughters and their families: Julie (Dan) Marr of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Betsy (Frank) Black of Dubuque; Ellen (Wayne) Russell of Omaha, Neb.; Stephanie (Tim) Schutt of Lascassas, Tenn.; Teri (Riley) Fairchild of Dubuque; grandchildren: Erin Engram, Kate Black (Ben), Michael (Heather) Black, Stephen (Whitney) Black, Bryan (Jennifer) Russell, Chrystine Russell, Katy Russell, Tony (Makenzie) Schutt, Ian (Jheri) Schutt, Alex Schutt, Matt Upstrom, Emily (Jon) Beckerman, Colt (Alyssa) Fairchild, Haley Fairchild and Nathan Blaine; great-grandchildren: Andrew, Ellie, Yossarian, Theo, Emmett, Rowan, Elijah, Zachary, Kade, Charli, Abigail, Shawn, Noah, Zach, Morgan, Matilda, Barron, Calvin, Chance, Murphy, Max and Dax. Mary K. is also survived by brother-in-law Bob (Kathy) Ament.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Delmer Ament; daughter Jill Ament; her parents, John and Kathleen Reilly; brothers, Maurice Reilly and Don Reilly; sister-in-laws, Gladys Reilly and Florence (Verl) Peterson; and husband Norman Rupp.
The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Park Place and caregivers at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephen’s Food Bank, Dubuque, or the Christian Action Program Food Pantry, Cherokee, in Mary’s honor.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Mary's obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.
