Mary Rita Ruane

Ruane, Mary Rita, 88, died peacefully at home surrounded by all her children and her devoted husband, Tom. She was born in Chicago to Sadie and James Peter Houle and is survived by her sister, Mother Mary of Mercy, O.P. She attended Mercy High School and graduated from Loyola University Nursing School and became a clinical instructor at St. Bernards Hospital in Chicago. Rea and Tom met at a high school dance and were sweethearts throughout their 66 years of marriage. Together they had 9 children, Michael and Mary Rita who are deceased, and 7 who survive her: Irene Fuoco (Frank) of Providence, RI, Mary Elizabeth Bulger (Jim) of Olathe, Kathy West (Barry) of Wichita, Tom Jr. (Pam) of Kansas City, Jim (Lisa) of Wichita, Maureen Neidow (Tim) of Lawrence, and Colleen Vickers (Mike) of Denver. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She was a woman of style and grace and always dedicated to her faith and family. To the end she had a sharp mind and keen knowledge of politics, fashion and current events. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Holy Rosary at 5:30 P.M., Friday, March 14, 2014; Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, March 15, 2014; both at St. Thomas Aquinas. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202; or Saint Thomas Aquinas Memorial Fund, 1321 North Stratford Lane, Wichita, 67206. Downing Lahey East Mortuary.