Mary Anna Ruzicka

June 4, 1939 - August 13, 2016

Mary Ann Ruzicka passed away at home after a short battle with cancer on Saturday, August 13, 2016. She was born June 4, 1939 in Burchard, Nebraska, to Joe and Della (Chapp) Ruzicka. She grew up in Burchard and graduated from the Burchard High School in 1956. After getting her two-year teaching degree from Peru State Teacher’s College, Mary Ann taught 5th and 6th grade for 12 years in the Omaha Public School System. During that time she received her BS Degree in Education. In 1970, Mary Ann moved to Portland to teach. She taught middle school in the Portland Public School system until her retirement in 1994. During that time she received her master’s degree in school administration from Portland State University. She was a member of Job’s Daughters and Eastern Star. After retirement Mary Ann enjoyed many hobbies. She was an avid gardener, loved to read, and do crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She enjoyed a good game of Scrabble and Mexican Train. She also engaged in stitchery and loved making cross-stitched Christmas stockings, towels and ornaments for family and friends. Her neighbors were always remembered with baked T-Rings and peanut brittle at Christmas. Mary Ann also enjoyed traveling to many countries including the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, and many other countries. Mary Ann was devoted to her animals. She always had cats and dogs. We all remember her poodles, Max, Rosie, Cricket and Jenny. Mary Ann is survived by her brother, Joe Ruzicka (Kathy) of Seward, NE, sisters Joan Christen (Joe), Tecumseh, NE, and Virginia Karas (Junior), Fort Morgan, CO. Also, many nieces and nephews: Jim Karas (Nancy), Granby, CO, Jeff Karas (Gale) Loveland, CO, Jon Karas (Terri), Fort Morgan, CO, Janelle Woods (John), Atlanta, GA, Jennifer Harre (Glenn) Omaha, NE, Chad Ruzicka (Julia), Council Bluffs, IA, Cory Ruzicka (Heather), Seward, NE, Kerry Jo Kremer (Chad), Las Vegas, NV, Tony Christen (Nina), Wymore, NE, Ben Christen (Rebecca), Sioux Falls, SD, Jayne Christen, Albuquerque, NM. Her great nieces and nephews: Jennifer Hall, Dallas, TX, Ryan Karas (Kristy), Denver, CO, Jacob Karas, Denver, CO, Logan Karas, Loveland, CO, Nicole Karas, Brown Wood, TX, Trista Cobbley (Chris), Ft. Morgan, CO, Daron, Zack and Dominick Blaylock, Atlanta, GA, Ashton Woods, Atlanta, GA, Audriana Packard (Grant), Colorado Springs, CO, Nathan and Mathew Christen, Sioux Falls, SD, Tiffany and Brandon Christen, Wymore, NE, Jaxon and Jordon Harre, Omaha, NE, Paige, Grace, Claire and Reese Ruzicka, Council Bluffs, IA, Sage Ruzicka, Seward, NE, Mason Kremer, Las Vegas, NV, and great-great nephew, Camden Karas , Denver, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Della (Chapp) Ruzicka, nephew, Joe Karas, and great niece, Jennifer Sampson.