Rochelle Anne (Netzley) Ruedger

      Rochelle Anne "Rosie" Ruedger, age 85, of Alma, MI, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Woodland Hospice House, Mt. Pleasant, MI.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Louis, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 1, 2023, with Pastor Bob Fall officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 6-8 P.M. at the Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Salt River Cemetery, Shepherd, MI.
     Rochelle was born in Elwell, MI on August 8, 1938, the daughter of Maynard and Lois (Fairchild) Netzley.  Rosie was a graduate of St. Louis High School.  On October 30, 1959, she married Ken Ruedger at Alma First Baptist Church.
     Rosie retired from the State of Michigan in 2011.  Anyone who met Rosie learned that there are always laughs to be shared.  It was impossible to spend time with her without enjoying a gut-busting laugh at some point in the conversation.  She never complained; just worked hard and always supported her family.  She had a magical way of bringing joy every time she walked into a room.  No one who met her could forget her smile.  Traveling in their Thunderbirds and other cars was her passion.  At gatherings everyone enjoyed her homemade pies.  She was a member of The American Road Thunderbird Club.
     Rosie is survived by her husband Ken Ruedger of Alma, MI; son David Ruedger of Reno, NV; grandchildren; Nichole Ruedger of San Luis, Obispo, CA; Nathan Ruedger of  Danville, CA; and Sarah and Corley Piper of Blanchard, MI; brother-in-law Art Gonzalez of Houghton Lake, MI.  She was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter Lisa Ruedger, son Lonnie Ruedger, son Jeff Ruedger, grandson Jason Ruedger also her brother and sister-in-law Dennis and Barbara Netzley and sister-in-law Joyce Ruedger Gonzalez.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woodland Hospice or with her love for animals memorial contributions may also be made to the Gratiot County Animal Shelter.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.