Mary E.Meenahan Ruehlen

Mary Elizabeth Meenahan Ruehlen, 83, Topeka, passed away Friday, May 9, 2014.
She was born April 25, 1931, in New York City, New York, the daughter of John and Loretta (McGurrin) Zekoll.

After high school she graduated as a registered nurse from Bellevue School of Nursing in New York City. She then earned her bachelor's in nursing and master's degree from Webster University.

She was a member of both Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and St. Matthews Catholic Church, Chapter DF of P.E.O. sisterhood in Topeka and Bellevue School of Nursing Alumni.

Mary was a nursing administrator at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City for over 20 years. She was then a nursing consultant for ALS Keith Worthington Chapter for three years.

Mary married John R. Meenahan on November 13, 1954 in New York City. He preceded her in death in 1989. On May 14, 1994, she married Lane B. Ruehlen in Overland Park, Kansas and became a caring parent to his four children. Mary and Lane resided in Topeka. Other survivors include her five children, Nancy (John) Van Sooy, Leawood, KS; Kevin (Tami) Meenahan, Overland Park, KS; Susan (Philip) Martin, Bonner Springs, KS; Patty (John) Miller, Flower Mound, TX and Michael (Julie) Meenahan, Olathe, KS; brother, John "Jack" Zekoll, Albany, NY; nine grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Mary enjoyed traveling and reading. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 am Friday, May 16 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Private inurnment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa. Memorial visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to ALS-Keith Worthington Chapter, 6950 Squibb Rd, Mission, KS 66202.