MaryAnn Rudel

Benton Harbor, MI – MaryAnn Rudel, 70, a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, December 15, 2009. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd. – St. Joseph, MI. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 18, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MaryAnn was born to Roman and Anna (Faraone) Grabowski on March 23, 1939 in Stevensville, MI. She married the love of her life, Gene Rudel on June 9, 1956, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor, MI. MaryAnn was employed by the St. Joseph Public Schools as a bus driver and coordinator of transportation for 27 years. She was a member of the American Legion Post 568 Auxiliary and of the VFW Post 1137 Auxiliary. MaryAnn was a loving and generous spirit to everyone she came in contact with, especially with her children and grandchildren. MaryAnn is survived by her husband, Gene and her 6 children, Teresa (Frank) McCain of Benton Harbor; Gene (Chris) Rudel, Jr. of Milburg; Rahn Rudel of Benton Harbor; Renee (Jeff) Buchele of Coloma; Kimberly (Mike) Smithers of Benton Harbor and Mark (Cindy) Rudel of Watervliet. She was also survived by her four grandchildren, Trey, Anna, Andrew and RJ; her sister, Dorothy Schiffbauer and six brothers, John, Deaner, Charles, Joseph, Richard and Frank. MaryAnn was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Elaine Current. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the “memory” book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Riverside Hagar #6 School.