Rulo, Sally (nee Kampler), 79, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Two-year-old Sally came to the United States with her parents, Joseph and Frieda Kampler, in 1947 after being freed from a Nazi work camp in Russia at the close of World War II. Soon after their arrival, her little sister, Betty Barnhart (nee Kampler), was born providing her a lifelong, best friend.
The Kampler family made University City, Missouri their home. Sally graduated from UCity High, Class of 1962 and stayed close to home to earn her Bachelor of Arts from Harris Stowe State University. She spent the next 37 years dedicated to teaching children in the St. Louis Public School District.
Sally is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Donnie Rulo Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Rulo have two wonderful sons, Donnie Jr. (Rosemarie) and Adam (Camille Ingram). She always praised both for being accomplished in their careers and being good men. Sally was very grateful for the daughters she gained in their significant others.
Her granddaughters Alexandria (Joshua) Harrison, Madison Dwyer, Sophia Rulo, and great-granddaughter Charlotte Harrison will miss her dearly.
Time spent with Sophia was Sally’s most treasured time on Earth. Whether it was picking her up from daycare, taking her shopping, grabbing lunch, attending a recital, getting their nails done, or watching her graduate high school, Sophia made each moment a perfect memory for her grandmother.
If it was a Friday evening, she would be found in her unofficial, assigned seat at the Knights of Columbus Hall in House Springs for bingo. She loved those ladies and gentlemen and cherished their time together playing games and chatting.
She was a matriarch by every definition of the term. To know her, was to love her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, older brother, nephews Eric and Kevin (surviving Amy) Barnhart, and her grandchildren: Ross and Emma Rulo.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the below charities close to her heart or one special to you.
– Breast Cancer Research Society
– The Survivor Mitzvah Project (aiding the remaining Holocaust survivors in Eastern Europe)
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Sunday, January 26 from 2-8 pm. with Funeral Service on Monday, January 27 at 12 noon. Interment at Sunset Cemetery. Following services held Monday, a repast will be held at Michael’s Bar & Grill 7101 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63143 1:30pm
Sally was a great person and friend I will miss her so much at bingo. She was my favorite bingo partner always happy and fun to be with. Miss you very much.
So sorry for your loss.
Another Angel got her wings💛 she will be dearly missed
Sally was an incredible person. Her spirit and positive energy was infectious. She will be greatly missed by many I’m sure. I’m so grateful for having known her and been lucky to call her my friend. Hearing of her loss has broken my heart but I’m grateful for having known her.
I am sorry I cannot remember her. Would love to have heard her family’s story of escaping with their lives from Nazi Germany. I suspect there were many of our classmates with similar stories, but understand the tightrope our school administrators had to walk during the 1960s, avoid asking them to re-live harrowing stories of survival. It was just too soon; the memories too fresh.
Survivors had good reason for not trusting government, even America’s. We could have stopped the Holocaust sooner but were too timid, or too comfortable,
Sally and I were best friends throughout our time at Hanley Jr. High. She was very smart and caring. Her mother was wonderful, too. Although she chose not to come to high school reunions, we did share memories by phone. Her passing leaves me in tears, but I am grateful for the enrichment her friendship brought to my life. It is good to know she had such a loving family and friends. May her memory be a blessing to all she touched.
I absolutely Loved Sally❤️! I haven’t known her very long but I’m certainly going to miss her💔
My Thoughts and Prayers are with the Rulo Family, especially Donnie, Rose and Sophia ❤️🙏
Dearest Betty, I am so very sorry for yet another tragic loss for you. Arlene keeps me posted and I am sending love from California. Please take care of yourself. Sally was a lovely woman and a great sister to you.
Much love,
Renee
I remember Sally from U. City High. She was a friendly, upbeat , energetic person. I know she had many friends in life and will be missed.
We always loved seeing her and chatting with her at the Marketplace branch St. Louis Public Library. She came in often, and for many years, eager to discuss her numerous reads. Sally will be strongly missed by us here at the branch.
Our thoughts are with her whole family.