Sylvia Leora "Lee" Ruhlman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on March 13th, 2025. Lee's life was a beautiful reflection of love, faith, devotion, and resilience. She was born on November 17th, 1928, in Stockton, Kansas, and grew up in the small town of Horton, Kansas.

As a young woman, Lee met the love of her life, John "Jack" Ruhlman, in Atchison, Kansas. Their love story blossomed, and they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage prior to Jack's passing, supported by their strong faith and commitment to one another. Together, they created a close-knit family of six children, teaching them the values of hard work, kindness, and the importance of family, love, and faith.

Lee's family was everything to her, and she leaves behind a legacy of love that spans across generations. She is survived by her children: John Ruhlman Jr. (Tara), Jim Ruhlman (Debbie), Leo Ruhlman (Mary Kay), and Kathy Barbeau (Dave), as well as son-in-law Nick Spero. Lee's heart swelled with pride and joy for her 23 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, along with many nieces and nephews who were also deeply loved by her.

Lee was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, in-laws, and her two beloved children, Marilyn Spero and Jerry Ruhlman. She now rests with them in the peace of the Lord's embrace.

Lee was an active member of her Catholic community throughout her life. She was deeply involved in her parish, working with the Altar and Rosary Society, and was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. These communities were not only a source of spiritual growth for Lee but also a way for her to serve others and share her love for God. Her devotion to her faith was evident in everything she did, from her regular participation in Mass to her volunteer work within the church.

Throughout her life, Lee was a pillar of strength, kindness, and grace. Her sharp wit and keen mind remained with her throughout her years. She could always be counted on for a clever remark or thoughtful insight, often leaving those around her with both a smile and something to ponder. Her intellect, paired with her quick sense of humor, made her a joy to converse with, and she had a way of making everyone feel heard and appreciated.

Lee was also deeply devoted to her family. She found immense joy in creating wonderful meals, especially around the holidays, when family gathered to share in the blessings of the season. Her family fondly remembers her delicious pies—often the centerpiece of family gatherings—and her homemade Christmas cookies, which became a cherished tradition. Cooking for her loved ones was one of the many ways she expressed her love and care.

Another beloved passion of Lee's was crocheting. She spent countless hours creating beautiful blankets, often gifting them to family and friends. Each piece was a testament to her patience, skill, and the love she poured into every stitch. Her handcrafted creations will continue to be treasured for generations to come.

Traveling with her beloved husband, Jack, was another great joy in Lee's life. Together, they explored many places, always seeking out new experiences and creating lasting memories. Their shared love for adventure and discovery made their travels all the more special.

In her later years, Lee and Jack retired to Yuma, Arizona, where they made many lifelong friends. She formed lasting relationships with the people she met there, embracing the community and creating a new chapter full of laughter, joy, and camaraderie. After Jack's passing, Lee returned to Kansas City to share several wonderful years with her family.

As we mourn the passing of a remarkable woman, we take comfort in knowing that she has left behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and devotion. Lee's love, her strength, her sharp mind, and her commitment to her family and her faith will forever be etched in our hearts. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love of those who have gone before her, and in the arms of her Heavenly Father.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the care team at Northland Rehabilitation, especially the wonderful Aleta, for their compassionate and attentive care. We are also deeply grateful to the Hospice team for their support and kindness during this difficult time.

Services will be held on Wednesday, March 19, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. The Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. followed by Visitation at 10:45 a.m. and the Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Saint Charles Borromeo Academy.