Roxie Ann Rybnick, 84, of Frontenac, passed away at 2:20 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at Via Christi Hospital.
Roxie was born Nov. 23, 1938, in Arma, Kansas, the daughter of Tom and Mary L. (Sicco) Lakey. Losing her father at a very young age, Roxie was fortunate to have been raised by her mother and stepfather, Victor Penachio. At the age of four, Roxie began school in a one-room schoolhouse in Radley, Kansas, and graduated at the age of sixteen from Pittsburg High School.
On Nov. 21, 1956, Roxie was united in marriage to Vincent Ray Rybnick by Judge Loffswold officiating in his first marriage ceremony. Roxie and Vince recently celebrated their 66th anniversary. Vince survives at the family home.
At a young age, Roxie worked at Kress's department store. She then became a stay-at-home mom for several years before returning to work at Ramsey's department store. As one of the first employees hired, Roxie was employed by Dillon's, where she retired in 1998.
Recently baptized, membership was held in the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. In her day, Roxie was an avid bowler and participated in bowling leagues with her mother and sisters. She loved traveling with her husband and family, which included many cruises. She and Vince rarely missed an event in which a grandchild or great-grandchild was participating. Above all, Roxie loved Christmas and was known to write a poem for each family member to go with their gift. Roxie's love for Christmas was sparked by her parents as each year they filled their yard with a huge Christmas display on 20th Street.
Survivors include her husband, Vincent, of the home; a son, Cary Rybnick (Julie) of Frontenac; a daughter, Tana Swink (Richard) of Frontenac; three sisters, Dolores Ginardi of Frontenac, Terry Penachio and Vicki Rokezewski, both of Pittsburg; five grandchildren, Joe Rybnick (Kristen), Brett Rybnick (Kaylan), Ryan Edge (Candice), Jason Edge (Melissa), and Justin Edge (Chelsea); 11 great-grandchildren, Joshua and Phoenixx Edge, Adi, Lili, and Leo Rybnick, Matthew Swink, Marlie and Maylie Edge, Renly, Anderson, and Bennett Edge.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Joshua Vincent Edge, in 2003.
Visitation will be held from noon until 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at the Brenner Mortuary, followed by funeral services at 1 p.m. with Fr. Chris Rumback officiating. A private family burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery. The funeral service will be live-streamed on Mrs. Rybnick's obituary page located at www.brennermortuary.com.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, to sign the register book at the Brenner Mortuary. The family suggests memorials be given to the Josh Edge Scholarship Fund at Frontenac High School. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg.
