Mary Kay Ruhnke Anderson

Mary Kay Ruhnke Anderson, 84, Kansas City, Missouri, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Liberty Hospital.

She was born January 1, 1942 in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Norman and Hazel (Whittaker) Ruhnke. She was a 1959 graduate of Plattsburg High School. She attended Saint Paul Lutheran College in 1961 and graduated from Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska, in 1963.

Mary Kay married John D. Anderson on June 9, 1963. He survives of the home.

She was a teacher at Lutheran schools in Norborne, Missouri, Utica, Nebraska, Goodhue, Minnesota, and then Ellis Elementary School Plattsburg Missouri until retirement. She was a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.

Mary Kay was a member of Kings Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Missouri and Sunny Side Circle.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband, John; two daughters, Mary Beth Self of Mayview, Missouri and Jane Sparks (Sid) of Kansas City, Missouri; five grandchildren, Johnathan Self (Maggie), Rebekah Struble (Joe), Andrew Self, Rachel Self, and Brett Sparks; one great-granddaughter on the way; sister, Janet Kay (Keith); and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Farewell Services 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 25, King of Kings Lutheran Church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral service will be livestreamed on the King of Kings Lutheran Church website and Facebook page.   The family will receive friends 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to King of Kings Preschool. Online guest book and obituary at www.baileycox.com.