Mary Ellen Rupp, 71, of Grand Island, Nebraska, died Thursday, July 14, 2011, at Tiffany Square Care Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Marys Cathedral. Rev. Richard L. Piontkowski Jr., her nephew, Rev. John Neneman, and Rev. James J. Janovec will concelebrate. Inurnment will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, July 18, 2011, from 4 7 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel with a Catholic Daughters Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Mary Ellen was born January 25, 1940, in Omaha, Nebraska to William R. and Agnes (Slegl) Spencer. On October 8, 1960, Mary Ellen married Robert Rupp at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island. Survivors of the immediate family include her husband, Robert, of Grand Island A daughter, Anne Rupp of Charlotte, N.C. Three sons & daughters-in-law, Robert "Bob" & Kris Rupp of Omaha, NE Roger & Judy Rupp of Seattle, WA Craig & Karen Rupp of Grand Island, NE Two sisters & a brother-in -law, Adrienne Neneman of Great Falls, MT Cookie & Dr. James Hervert of Hastings, NE Brother & two sisters-in-law, David & Becky Spencer of Denver, CO. Joan Spencer of Buffalo Grove, IL Additional survivors include nine grandchildren Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Julie (Rupp) and Bill Ziller of Grand Island. Mary Ellen grew up in Omaha and graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1957. She attended Duchesne College and graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in Grand Island in 1960. She was on the nursing staff at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island. After retiring from the nursing field, Mary Ellen worked for Orthotics and Prosthetics in Grand Island. Mary Ellen had been an active member of St. Mary's Cathedral, Christian Mothers, St. Mary's Altar Society, Catholic Daughters of Americas, Court Ave Maria #1263 and Riverside Ladies Golf League. Her other activities included playing bridge and pinochle, snow skiing and antique shopping. She also volunteered at St. Francis' gift shop and snack cart. She had a great sense of humor and her appearance and work ethic were important to her. She took pride in her family and appreciated her many friends. Mary Ellen's greatest loves were her family and Catholic faith. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law and sister. She will be remembered for her heroic battle with brain cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bill Spencer; nephew, Patrick Spencer and niece, Abigail Spencer. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Mary's Cathedral Square or the Central Catholic Development Foundation. The guest book may be signed or the video tribute viewed at www.curranfuneralchapel.com.