Ruby Bridgeland

RUBY J. BRIDGELAND, 86 ROCKFORD - Ruby J. Bridgeland, 86, of Rockford, formerly of Winnebago, went to be with her Lord on Monday, May 14, 2012, in Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. Born March 27, 1926, in Winnebago, daughter of Walter and Florence (Weber) Carlson. Graduated from Winnebago High School in 1944. Ruby married Harold B. Bridgeland on Aug. 18, 1946, in Winnebago. She was a secretary at Rockford Memorial Hospital for many years and then volunteered as a Pink Lady there. Ruby was a member of First Evangelical Free Church, Rockford, its Selina Circle and Monday Nighters Women's Club. She enjoyed traveling and spent many years wintering in Arizona. Ruby dearly loved spending time with her family and friends. Ruby is lovingly survived by husband of 65 years, Harold Bridgeland; children, Larry (LeeAnn) Bridgeland, John (Gail) Bridgeland, Peggy (Jim) Sawdey, Randy (Tina) Bridgeland and Janine (Steve) Linder; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Raymond (Janice) Carlson and Roger (Leticia) Carlson; sisters, Jean Smith Meissen and Elsie (William) Westphal; sisters-in-law, Darlene Carlson and Elaine Bridgeland; brother-in-law, Howard Hetrick; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents; infant daughter, Jane Louise; brother, Warren Carlson; sister, Harriet (Floyd) Dickinson; brother-in-law, George Bridgeland; and sister-in-law, Betty Hetrick. Service at 1 p.m., Thursday, May 24, in First Evangelical Free Church, 2223 N. Mulford Road, with visitation from noon to service time; the Rev. Chuck Rife will officiate. Private burial in Middle Creek Cemetery, Winnebago. Cremation rites were accorded. Arrangements by Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. Memorials to First Evangelical Free Church or to Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. Sign the guest book, give your condolences or light a candle at genandtfuneralhome.com.