Shirley A. Ruehl

Shirley A. Ruehl, of Estero and Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026. Shirley was born on February 10, 1938, in Buffalo, New York, a daughter of the late Peter and Jean (née Wydysh) Burack. She had been a resident of Estero since 2000, having moved from Grand Island, New York. A lifelong believer in the importance of education, Shirley attended Buffalo State College where she earned her Master's Degree in Education. On August 22, 1964, she married the love of her life, John A. Ruehl, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned more than 54 years. Shirley dedicated her professional life to teaching, inspiring countless students through her work as a high school Home Economics and Special Education teacher in the Buffalo, New York, area. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life and was reflected in her tireless service to her church and community. Shirley was a devoted parishioner of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Bonita Springs where she was an active member of the St. Leo's Ladies Guild, the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, the Seven Sisters Apostolate, and the Magnificat Ministry. She faithfully served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and was deeply committed to the Respect Life Ministry, leading prayer vigils at the Planned Parenthood Center in Naples. Her unwavering faith, compassionate heart, and dedication to serving others left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Shirley is survived by her two loving sons, Keith J. Ruehl and his wife, Maria, of Evergreen, Colorado, and Sean T. Ruehl and his wife, Allison, of Willow Spring, North Carolina; her two cherished grandsons, Peter Ruehl and Sean Ruehl; and her sister, Marsha Gresens of Williamsville, New York. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John A. Ruehl, who passed away on October 28, 2018, as well as by her parents. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Shirley's life will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 28300 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, Florida. Additional funeral services and burial will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Tonawanda, New York. To sign Shirley's guest register or leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Shirley A. Ruehl

February 10, 1938 - August 1, 2026