Janet L. Ruehling

Janet Louise Ruehling (Jan), 74, of Biloxi, MS passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2008 in Biloxi. While a sophomore in college in Oxford, OH in 1953, Jan was stricken with polio which left her paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on mechanical ventilation to breathe. For the past 55 years, she was lovingly cared for at home in Biloxi 24 hours a day by friends and family and health care professionals who became friends and family. As a disabled military dependent, Jan became a determined advocate for her health care. When government agencies wanted to end her benefits, with the help of Senator Gene Taylor, she took on the Department of Defense two times and won both times. Jan had a very, very fulfilling life in spite of her severe handicaps. Even though she was not physically active, her mind was exceptionally creative and keen. She was a writer (she used to type with a mouth stick) and the author of JANimals, a children's story. Her handicapped equipped van allowed her to be mobile (along with a driver and her caregivers). They had a blast shopping and "doing lunch". In the 1980's Jan developed a long term business relationship with Color Campus in Biloxi. That association blossomed into a strong friendship with the owner, Rosemary Saunders. Recently, with the help of Salon Bella in Ocean Springs, Jan donated her long, long hair to "Locks of Love" (for cancer patients). For 28 years, Jan shared a special bond with Pastor Adam Cooper and St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Gulfport. Jan remained close to her Butler High School classmates from Vandalia, Ohio. With attention to detail, Jan, her classmates and caregivers were able to orchestrate a plane trip to their 40th class reunion in Ohio in 1992. Other class reunions were held in Biloxi so Jan could be part of the fun. Jan adored being surrounded by friends, family, networking and being "in charge". Jan was always an inspiration to everyone. She received much local and national recognition for her talent, courage and contributions to our community. She was forever kind, thoughtful and generous….a courageous warrior. Jan is preceded in death by her parents, Major Charles Hardin (USAF-Ret) and Teddy Hardin and step-brother, Allin Hardin. She is survived by her sister, Linda Rafferty and her brother-in-law, Bill Rafferty; niece, Andrea Toole and her family, John, Brandon and Savana; nephew, Rob Hutchins and his wife, Katy; Godsons, DJ Young and Brandon Young. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to: St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Gulfport, MS for their outreach and educational programs (228-864-6264) and/or the Humane Society in Gulfport, MS (228-863-3354). Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 8, 2008 at 10:00 am at the Pass Road Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Biloxi, where friends may visit one hour prior to service time.(228)388-1811 View and sign register book @www.bradfordokeefe.com