Dodge City - Karen Annette Ryba, 81, died August 2, 2021 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.  She was born on February 4, 1940 on the family farm near Ford, the daughter of C. Kenneth and Nola Lorene (Riegel) Gimbel.

Karen spent her childhood years in Ford County.  She graduated from Dodge City High School in 1958.  After graduation, she went to work for Hancock Realty in Dodge City.  On September 2, 1962, Karen was united in marriage to Michael Ryba, celebrating nearly 59 years of marriage.  Karen stayed at home to care for her children.  Once the children were older, she started a day care out of her home.  For the last 10 years, she faithfully cared for Mike.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, and cooking.  Karen loved her church family and fellowship with them.  Her smile will be missed by all.

She was a faithful member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Dodge City, where she was part of the Alter Guild.  Karen was also a member of the V.F.W Auxiliary.

Karen is survived by her husband, Michael F. Ryba of Dodge City; three children, Nancy Snyder and husband Stephen of Dodge City, Bruce Ryba and wife Jenn of Wall, New Jersey, and Wayne Ryba and wife Crissy of Mankato; nine grandchildren, Hillary Snyder, Ariel Snyder, Eric Snyder and wife Jordan, Michael Ryba and wife Niki, Trevor Ryba, Addie Ryba, Beka Rijfkogel and husband Luke, Tarra Ryba, and Sydny Ryba; one great granddaughter, Rowan Snyder; a brother, Weldon Gimbel and wife Janice of Vienna, Virginia; and a sister, Peggy Gust and husband Dave of Tampa, Florida.  She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister Marilyn Kay Zaring-Madlin; and a nephew, Tom Gust.

Funeral service will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Dodge City on Monday, August 9, 2021 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Randall Jahnke presiding.  Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Sunday, August 8, 2021 from noon to 6:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.