Brenda Rybak

     Brenda K. Rybak (66), loving and devoted wife, mother, and sister, passed from life through death and into eternity the morning of July 27, 2024. She was surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of her home. Brenda is healed in Heaven. All her earthly worries, pain and sorrow are lifted. No suffering, no conflict. She is celebrating the joy and peace of Jesus Christ in eternity. John 11:25-26, 14:27. Psalms 147:3.

     Brenda was born in Monett, MO on May 12, 1958. She was preceded in death by her grandchild Isabel K. Davey (2004), parents Everett (2006) and Peggy Ball (2019), and her son Brett Davey (2022). She is survived by her son Kyle Davey, daughter Jenna K. Davey, and husband Richard Rybak. Brenda has three grandchildren, Kara (Brett) Davey, Morgan & Kylie (Kyle) Davey. Brenda’s only sibling, sister Rebecca Paratore, her nephew Nathan Matney and Beki’s husband Dennis Juvan reside in Naples, FL. Brenda and her husband Rich were married on July 20, 1996 in Edwardsville, IL.

     Brenda and her sister Beki grew up during an innocent time and enjoyed their adventurous and independent childhood. They lived on a farm with horses, cows, ducks, chickens and an apple and peach orchard. They liked to catch the baby ducks and put them in the bathtub when no one was home. Their parents started running their own businesses (Ball TV, the Cash Variety Store in Marionville, B Inn and 37 Cafe in Pierce City, and sold the land to Pierce City for its park. The Dairy Mart, Aurora Satellite and E’s Inn in Aurora, and E’s Inn in Republic). Brenda and Beki walked everywhere together. When they got out of school for the day, they would run home as fast as they could to watch Dark Shadows. Brenda attended high school in Pierce City, and she worked at Nickerson Farms. She was voted Most Mischievous her senior year.

     After Brenda graduated high school, she set out to make a life for herself, in search of love and stability. She worked in the ER at St Joseph’s Hospital in Alton, IL and in admitting at Christian NE in St. Louis, MO. She assisted doctors in their private practice. She attended Lewis & Clark Community College with a 4.0 GPA. Brenda changed career fields and was a paralegal at several different law firms, including the state prosecutor’s office. During her time as a medical paralegal, her experience and research resulted in a client being awarded a million-dollar settlement for the hospital’s negligence that caused his blindness.

     Outside of work, Brenda and her husband Rich ran a horse boarding business in Marion, IL. Wildhorse Stables catered primarily to polo teams traveling the country. The tallest horse in North America (2005) visited along with other Percheron horses. She began rescuing stray cats that came to the property and domesticating them by showering them with love, food, and play. Her all-time favorite was Battle Cat.

     The cat rescuing continued when they moved to West Plains, and Brenda’s care for animals and wildlife was able to expand on their new property. She fed hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and other birds daily. Deer were given corn and the property became a sanctuary from predators. Raccoons and possums were also fed regularly. She donated to several animal charities and shelters, and brought stray cats food in various areas that were away from her own home. Brenda had great compassion for the poor, downtrodden, and homeless—sacrificing her own comfort and finances to benefit them. She wanted everyone to feel loved. Brenda was also an active member in the LCMS Lutheran Church. Her faith was genuine and her heart was humble. Hebrews 11: 1, 3. Romans 8:28. 

     Brenda loved with her whole heart, especially her children, through thick and thin. She stood up for what she believed in, even if she had to stand alone. She loved music, art, and crafts. Brave. Sensitive. Tenacious. Funny. Strong. Gritty. Snuggly. Outgoing. Protector. Hard working. Free spirit. Mom, Mama, Mama Bear, Grammy Horse, Grandma Darling, Sister Golden Hair, Sweetheart.

     “You are precious and honored in my sight, and… I love you” Isaiah 43:4

Funeral services for Brenda Rybak will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, West Plains, Missouri.

Visitation time will be held at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Burial will be in Howell Valley Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

To donate in lieu of flowers, mail certified check or cat food to:

West Plains Regional Animal Shelter

1486 State Route BB

West Plains MO 65775

(417) 256-8438