Marilyn Ann Spero, 66, unexpectedly passed away on January 14, 2019.  She was a loving mother, daughter, spouse, grandma, great-grandma, aunt and friend.

Marilyn was born on August 18, 1952 in Atchison, KS to John and Sylvia Ruhlman.  Her family moved to Kansas City shortly afterward and settled in the Northeast area of Kansas City Mo.  Marilyn attended Holy Cross Grade School and Cardinal Glennon High School, graduating in 1970. In May of 1969, Marilyn started a part-time job at Southwestern Bell as an operator.  After High School Graduation, she became a full-time employee and continued to work there as the telephone business changed, retiring from AT&T in December of 2013 after nearly 44 years, a fact she was proud of.

Marilyn married Nick Spero in May of 1985.  She was the love of Nick's life as he was of hers. They celebrated 33 wonderful years of wedded bliss in 2018.  Another love of Marilyn's life was her son Greg Graf.  Greg was the center of her life since his birth in September 1976. With her marriage to Nick, his sons, Tom and Mike also became her loving sons unconditionally.

Marilyn loved to cruise and frequently did. She also loved to take family vacations.  She was also a big fan of Barry Manilow and attended numerous concerts, dragging Nick along for most of them.

Preceding her in death was her father, John Ruhlman; and her grandparents. She leaves her mother Sylvia; four brothers John (Tara), James (Debbie), Jerry and Leo (Mary Kay) Ruhlman; one sister, Katherine Barbeau (David); and one brother-in-law, Paul Spero (Sue). She leaves her sons Greg Graf (Kristin), Thomas and Michael Spero; grandchildren, Alexis, Michael Jr. and Angelina (Nina) Spero, Sophia Spero, and Andrew "AJ" Graf; and great-granddaughter, Victoria Lynn Hawkins.  She also leaves numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins here in Kansas City, Atchison, and throughout the United States.

Marilyn was very involved in her older grandchildren's life as they were growing up.  She was especially involved with AJ's life - her little "sugee" - babysitting him from an infant through his first year in school.  Her love for him knew no bounds.

Marilyn was extremely empathetic and loyal to family and friends.  Everyone she met from Kindergarten onwards and through her work life are still her friends today.  There are no words to express the loss to the lives of all she touched.  She will be missed and loved forever.

The Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. followed by Visitation at 10 a.m. and the Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 23, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 7207 NE Hwy 9, Kansas City, MO 64152. Inurnment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested in Marilyn's name to the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry at St. Therese.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com