Mary Ellen "Bubbie" Kull

Born February 6, 1954, in Louisville, Bubbie grew up surrounded by extended family and planted deep roots in the community she would call home her entire life. She looked forward to being a mom, and when the time came, she was simply the best. Throughout more than 30 years of marriage, she poured every ounce of herself into raising her three sons, putting their needs ahead of her own at every turn. To her, it wasn't a sacrifice; it was simply what she was made to do.

That selflessness wasn't reserved only for her boys, as Bubbie had an uncanny knack for putting others first – always and without exception. A graduate of Assumption High School, Bubbie generously gave her time to the people and places close to her heart, including running the lunchroom at Our Savior Lutheran School; organizing funeral meals at Christ Lutheran Church; teaching Sunday School, vacation bible school, and aerobics; leading Boy Scouts and tee ball, and doing just about anything anyone ever asked of her.

Years of devoted motherhood and service to her community prepared her perfectly for perhaps her greatest role of all: grandmother. Known lovingly as “Gwanny” and then "Granny," she cherished every moment spent babysitting and caring for her grandchildren, giving them the kind of attention and joy only she could provide. She was also a devoted caregiver for both her parents and former in-laws in their final years, with her daily visits to their nursing homes mirroring the kind of commitment she showed to everyone around her.

If you ever met Bubbie, you likely got a “Hi, sweetheart” or a hug. Nobody — truly, nobody — could give a hug quite like hers. Her warmth and loving personality made people feel immediately welcome and completely at ease. She was always ready to talk – and boy, could she talk. Conversations with Bubbie were never short, never dull, and always full of heart. You might catch her with curlers still in her hair and almost certainly a Diet Coke in hand, ready to chat about her kids, her grandchildren, football, or whatever was on your mind.

Bubbie’s faith was a quiet and steady presence in her life, woven into her service to others and love for her family. She now rests in peace and grace with Jesus. Her life was a testament to 1 Peter 4:10: “ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

She is survived by her three sons, Matthew, Mark (Kristen), and John Kull; sisters, Sue Newman, Karen Cronin, and Paula Knopf; grandchildren, Waylon, Conway, Calloway, and Gentry Kull and Malcom Moelter; and many extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and older brother, Kenny Cronin.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, July 9, at Arch L. Heady, 7410 Westport Rd., with visitation from 3-6 p.m. immediately followed by a funeral service. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you honor Bubbie in the ways she lived her life: Give someone a hug, enjoy a Diet Coke, and take a little extra time to talk with those you love.