Ohio congressman’s wife who founded First Ladies’ Library dies at 91

Former first lady Laura Bush visits with Mary A. Regula, founding chair and president of the National First Ladies’ Library Education and Research Center, look at a likeness of Abigail Fillmore, in Canton.
Former first lady Laura Bush visits with Mary A. Regula, founding chair and president of the National First Ladies’ Library Education and Research Center, look at a likeness of Abigail Fillmore, in Canton. Tony Dejak — The Associated Press file

By The Associated Press

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Hillary Clinton looks at a portrait of Ida Saxton McKinley during a visit to the National First Lady’s Library in Canton, Ohio with Sheila Fisher, left, and Mary Regula.
Hillary Clinton looks at a portrait of Ida Saxton McKinley during a visit to the National First Lady’s Library in Canton, Ohio with Sheila Fisher, left, and Mary Regula. Mark Duncan — The Associated Press file

CANTON, Ohio >> A former congressman’s wife who founded the National First Ladies’ Library in Ohio has died. Mary Regula was 91.

The Repository in Canton reports Regula died Thursday, eight months after her husband, former U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula, passed away in July at age 92.

Mary Regula was a former schoolteacher and avid campaigner for her husband, a Republican who was elected to 18 terms in the U.S. House.

One of her two sons, David Regula, says his mother was the driving force behind the First Ladies Library in Canton, fundraising and turning the idea into reality despite her husband’s initial reluctance.

Regula is survived by her sons, a daughter and four grandchildren. The family plans private memorial services and possibly a future public event at the library.