Colleen Phyllis (Porter) Kauble, 89, was called to her eternal rest to see the face of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at her home in Lincoln, Missouri. She was born April 30, 1936, in Pueblo, Colorado, the daughter of Armond Monroe and Cora Mae (Charley) Porter.
Colleen moved with her family to Pittsburg, Kansas, and later to Oskaloosa, Missouri, where she attended The Oskaloosa School, a one-room schoolhouse. She graduated eighth grade first in her class-often joking that she was the only student and walked uphill both ways, barefoot in the snow. She later attended high school in Liberal, Missouri, graduating in 1954, and earned Superior ratings in baton twirling. After graduation, she worked at Kress Store in Pittsburg, Kansas.
While spending time with friends in Arcadia, Kansas, Colleen caught the eye of Don Kauble, who asked her to a dance-beginning a love story that spanned 69 years. They were married September 4, 1955, at the RLDS Church in Pittsburg, Kansas, and were blessed with five children: Donald Wray II, Cynthia, Bradley, Karen, and Brian.
During Don's service in the U.S. Army, Colleen managed frequent moves while raising their family. After his discharge in 1959, they settled in Los Angeles, California, where Colleen devoted herself to her children and operated an in-home daycare. The family was active in church, enjoyed camping, and loved trips to the mountains.
In 1967, the family moved to Springfield, Missouri, and later to Lincoln, Missouri, in 1969. Colleen worked at Arrowhead Restaurant, Zenith Manufacturing, and Golden Valley Hospital. She attended State Fair Community College, earning her LPN license, then returned at age 50 to earn her RN license. She enjoyed a fulfilling 30-year nursing career at Golden Valley Hospital before retiring in 1999.
At age 72, Colleen enrolled in art classes at State Fair Community College and became an accomplished artist, earning top ribbons at local fairs. She loved gardening and was known for her exceptional "green thumb." She also enjoyed caring for her cats, studying the Scriptures, and remaining active in her church.
She was a member of Cross Timbers Restoration Branch (JCRB) Church in Preston, Missouri.
Colleen cherished her collection of teapots, teacups, and infusers and especially enjoyed High Tea with family and friends, including visits to the tearoom in Versailles, Missouri. She was a member of the Sedalia Chapter of the Red Hat Society (Sho-Me Ladies with Hat'itude), where she delighted in luncheons and hosting events, including a festive Christmas gathering at the Handel Haus in Cole Camp.
She is survived by four children: Cynthia Kauble Kreisel (Stanley) of Warsaw; Bradley Kauble (Kelly) of Rogersville; Karen Kauble Malsy (Hans) of Warrensburg; and Brian Kauble (Christa) of Sturgeon; three grandchildren, Chad Malsy (Becky), Derek Kauble, and Austin Wray Kauble; and four great-grandchildren, Lexie and Kenzie Kauble, and Marissa and Lauren Malsy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald Kauble, on November 20, 2024; her son, Donald Wray Kauble II; her sister, Penny Smith; her brother, Paul Porter; and her brother and sister-in-law, James and Leta Porter.
The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Lutheran School Association Gymnasium in Cole Camp, Missouri, where a celebration of Colleen's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. with Apostle Rex Curtis officiating. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Sheffield Cemetery in Arcadia, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be given to the SFCC Nursing Program, c/o the SFCC Foundation, and may be left at or mailed to Fox Funeral Home, Cole Camp. foxfuneralhomecolecampmo.com.
