Ernie Ruhl

“All I am and all I hope to be, I owe to my mother” Abraham Lincoln

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Ernestine “Ernie” Ruhl announces her passing on Friday, January 13, 2023, at the age of 77. She was loved by many, especially David Birmingham, her husband of 14 years; her children, David (Shelly) Beard , Renee Beard, and Tammy (Travis) Peppered; extended siblings, grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Charles (Debra) Ridgway, Sherrell (Mark) Dolan, and Leon Ridgway.

Ernie had many loves in her life, first and foremost being her faith in Jesus Christ. She cherished her time alone each morning reading her devotions. From there, with her faith affirmed and her bed made, she was ready to attack her days which were always productive. Whether she was welding aircraft at Boeing or Spirit AeroSystems, camping and fishing for crappie on Cheney Lake with her family and friends, bow hunting with David, working on her ’66 Chevy II, or making her extraordinary egg noodles for her family, she was happiest when she was building, organizing, and contributing to the world around her.

Another of her passions was her love for animals. From her dogs to a baby bird named Friskies, she nurtured and loved them all, especially her Papillon/ Maltese soul mate, Sissy.

But chief among her worldly passions were her children. As a single mother, building and maintaining a career as a welder in the 1960’s and ‘70s, was no easy task. Ernie often worked 2 and 3 jobs to provide for her children and make them feel special and loved. She fought for her family and for her career, creating a loving but disciplined life despite the challenges and hardships they encountered along the way.

Independent, strong, tough, curious, brave, and loving, Ernie was a most extraordinary mother, wife, and friend. Her smile, her laughter, and the joy she brought to those around her were surely blessings from God for which we will always be thankful.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

A Celebration of Life for Ernie will be held at:

St. Mary’s Catholic Parish Church, 2300 E Meadowlark Rd, Derby, KS 67037

Saturday, February 4th, 2023

From 1-4 p.m.