Raylene Drabbels

Raylene (Preble) Drabbels, of Hay Springs, passed from this life to eternal life on August 20, 2012, at Rapid City Regional Hospital following a brief illness. Raylene was born June 7, 1949, in Gordon, Nebraska to Charles and Wanda (Myers) Preble. She was raised to adulthood by her mom and step-dad Jim Kubo and received her education at Chadron High School, graduating in 1967. On December 18, 1968, Raylene married Gary Drabbels of Hay Springs. During Gary’s service in the United States Navy, Raylene and Gary lived in Guam, Chicago, and San Diego, before making their home in Hay Springs in 1971. 

Raylene opened her home as a daycare in 1972 and continued to care for the children of Hay Springs for 40 years. To their union were born three children, Lisa Kay (Hughes), Stacey Ann (McCartney), and Darren William. Raylene considered every child she took care of throughout the years as her own, and there have been hundreds over the last forty years. She was affectionately known as Grandma Raylene to many children. Also welcomed to the family were son-in-law David McCartney, daughter-in-law Michelle (Galyen) Drabbels and Burrell Hughes. 

Her family was her biggest joy, and she took great pride in supporting her children throughout their youth, attending every football, basketball, and volleyball game, as well as track meets, golf meets, and school concerts. Raylene was a proud Hay Springs Hawk and Chadron Cardinals fan. She continued to attend every activity she could to watch her grandchildren Isaac, Aria, and Ashton Hughes, and Jadyn and Jaleigh McCartney, as well as all the other kids she called her own. Raylene made an impact in many young people’s lives and her legacy will live on long after her passing. Over the past few years, she reaffirmed her relationship with Christ, and we rejoice that she has been welcomed into his kingdom. 

Raylene is survived by her husband Gary of 43 years, daughters Lisa and Stacey (Dave), and son Darren (Michelle). Six grandchildren, Isaac, Aria, and Ashton Hughes, Jadyn and Jaleigh McCartney, and unborn grandbaby Drabbels. She is also survived by brother Charles (Jane) Preble, and sisters Jennie Wasserburger, and Ilene Kubo, sister-in-law Bev Preble, and mother-in-law Audrey Drabbels, as well as many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins, dear friends, and countless children and young adults that called her grandma. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Charles Preble and Jim and Wanda Kubo, brother Dennis Preble, infant brother Carlyle, and father-in-law Virgil Drabbels. 

Funeral services were held Thursday, August 23, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Hay Springs with Pastor Fred Andersen officiating. Visitation was held Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at the United Methodist Church in Hay Springs. Burial was held at Hay Springs Cemetery. 

A memorial in lieu of flowers has been established. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Drabbels Mortuary, PO Box 443, Hay Springs, NE 69347.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com.

Funeral arrangements have been lovingly placed in the care of Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron.