Mary Ellen Rupert, Age: 68
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Aug 30, 1954---Feb 22, 2023

Mary Ellen Rupert, 68 passed away peacefully February 22, 2023. She was born on August 30, 1954. Mary was born in Kansas City, Kansas to Thomas and Eleanor Flanagan.

Mary enjoyed reading and writing. She is a Professional Writer and Editor who has more than 46 years of experience on staff at newspapers in the Kansas City area. She is a former news editor with daily writing and editing experience. Her education was: MSJ, KU; BA, KSU. Kappa Tau Alpha journalism honors society. Her many stories have appeared in the Wyandotte West, Kansas City Kansan and J-Links (the University of Kansas journalism alumni magazine). She edited copy at the Kansas City Kansan, the Wyandotte West and Wyandotte Daily news. She is a past president of the Kansas City Press Club (the local Society of Professional Journalists), and a past president of the Greater Kansas City Association of Women in Communications. Specialties: Areas of expertise: news, features, column writing, local history, research, editing, headline writing, pagination and photography.

Mary worked for Editor and managing editor, Wyandotte Daily News and Wyandotte Daily Online, 2009 to 2022.

Managing editor, Wyandotte West newspaper, August 2008 to 2009.

Writer, Wyandotte West, December 2006 to June 2008.

News editor, assistant editor, Kansas City Kansan, 2002 to 2004.

News editor, copy editor, Kansas City, Kansan, 1996 to 2000.

Associate editor, news editor, reporter, Wyandotte West, 1976 to 1986.

 

Mary’s education, she went to different colleges and schools through the years.

The University of Kansas, MSJ, Journalism, 1993 to 1996. Kappa Tau Alpha honors society, copy editor at University Daily Kansan.

Kansas State University, BA, Journalism, 1975 to 1976, reporter at the Collegian, editor of the Kedzie Report newsletter for the journalism department.

Kansas City Kansas Community College, studied English, French, economics and general topics from 1972 to 1974. Worked as a typesetter at the Wyandotte West Newspaper after school. Then transferred to K-State.

Mary attended Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kansas, with Honors diploma in 1972.

She attended Christ the King Grade School in Kansas City, Kansas

Mary married her loving sweetheart Steven Rupert in 1980 and they were happy married for over 42 years. Steve and Mary were married on May 10, 1980 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Kansas City, Kansas. They were blessed with two loving and wonderful children, Christine Rupert and Jonathan Rupert, both in Kansas City, Kansas. They had many wonderful times together as a family through the years and with their relatives also.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Eleanor Flanagan and her brother Patrick Flanagan. Mary is survived by her husband Steven, daughter Christine and son Jonathan. Her sister Loretta Li and brother Tom Flanagan.

Visitation service will be held on Tuesday, February 28 at Porter Funeral Home Kansas City, KS from 4:00 to 6:30 with rosary starting at 4:00. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 at Christ the King Church, Kansas City, Kansas. Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery on Parallel.

The family suggests donations made to Christ the King Church in Mary’s Rupert name.


Condolences

Debbie Korte Feb 25, 2023

Classmate ,Shawnee ,Kansas

So sorry to hear about Mary’s passing. She was a classmate of mine from grade school to college. She was such an intelligent and sweet person. I will always remember her smile and chuckle

Judith Mathewson Feb 26, 2023

High school & college friend ,VanBuren ,Arkansas

Mary was a classmate and a beautiful soul. She was an inspiration to many, a loving and intelligent woman, and a great friend! We will miss her and thank you, Steve and family, for sharing her with us!

Cathy Bukaty Peterson Feb 26, 2023

Classmate ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I too remember Mary fondly from Ward HS and in those career-building years when I would see Mary out and about reporting for Murrel Bland and the Wyandotte West newspaper. Always a professional and a lovely person!

Debbie Greve Dercher Feb 26, 2023

Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Steven, Loretta, Tom and Family, sorry for your loss. Mary was a sweet and intelligent person. I know you all will have many fond memories to cherish. Will always remember when Darrell and I introduce her to you Steven. We had fun that night going on a double date. God took her to soon, but she is at peace. May perpetual light shine her.

Dianne Spradlin Feb 27, 2023

Friend ,Gardner ,Kansas

I’m so sorry to hear about Mary! I have so many fond memories of growing up with all of you! Please know I am thinking about all of the family and Loretta and Tom. May she rest in peace in the arms of an Angel.

Joe H. Vaughan Feb 27, 2023

Fellow journalist and personal friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

I am very sad to learn of Mary's death. She was a true professional journalist and a personal friend of many years in Kansas City, Kansas. This is a loss for her family, her many friends and the community she covered for so many decades.

Patrice Ludwig Feb 27, 2023

classmate ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Mary and I were classmates at Ward ('72) and were staff members of the school newspaper, the Outburst. I enjoyed our time together and appreciated Mary's insight and patience. She was always kind, thoughtful, and smart. I am happy she was able to join in our 50th reunion celebration last October. Rest in peace, dear Mary. My sympathy and condolences to her family.

Rick Nichols Feb 28, 2023

Friend ,Leavenworth ,Kansas

I knew Mary through the Kansas City Press Club. She was a good writer and the consummate professional. Steven and children, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there!

Vida Mar 22, 2023

Reader ,Kck ,Kansas

My condolences to beloved family of Mary. I enjoyed everyday reading articles published in the Wyandotte Daily. I always paid attention to the news published here because it focused on important issues in my city and kept me informed. Kck has lost a great journalist.

Services

Event:
Rosary
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
1835 Minnesota Avenue
City:
Kansas City
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66102
Date:
Feb 28, 2023
Time:
4:00 PM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
Christ the King Catholic Church
Address:
3024 North 53rd Street
City:
Kansas City
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66104
Date:
Mar 01, 2023
Time:
10:30 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map