Marlene M. Ruhga, 86, of Omaha, NE, passed away on August 24, 2026. She was born April 26, 1940, to J. Burton and Ruby (Steinhoff) Copenhaver in Syracuse, NE.

Marlene grew up with her two sisters on a farm in Syracuse, NE, and graduated from Syracuse High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Charles (Chuck) Ruhga, on August 24, 1958. Together, they shared 68 years of marriage, raising three children and building a life centered around family. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.

For many years, Marlene worked in the office at Ralston High School, where she made lifelong friendships. Following her retirement, Marlene and Chuck spent their winters in Gulf Shores, AL. Their adventures also took them across the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. 

Marlene was strong, witty, and had a way of making people smile. She faced life with remarkable positivity, rarely complaining even when things were difficult. Family and friends meant everything to her. The friends she made at Heritage became a very important part of her life, and she was grateful for the kindness and compassion of the staff who cared for her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Charles A. Ruhga of Omaha, NE; daughters, Sharri (Kevin Logsdon) of Hoover, AL, and Vicki (Doug Westerhaus) of Overland Park, KS; son, Mark (Katie) Ruhga of Gretna, NE; and sister, Janet (Tom) Shamburg of Lincoln, NE. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: Kyle (Maria) Logsdon, Blake (Kathy Watson) Logsdon, Cole (Gillian) Logsdon, David Westerhaus, Nicholas Westerhaus, Madison Ruhga, Makenna Ruhga, and Preston Ruhga; her great-grandchildren Gabriella, Andrea, and Saúl; and her step- grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of great joy in her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Burton and Ruby Copenhaver, and her sister, Karen Minks.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m., with lunch immediately following at Messiah Lutheran Church, 5015 S. 80th Street, Ralston, NE 68127.

Memorial donations may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church.