Fern L. Rudenko

1937 - 2024

Fern L. Rudenko, 86, of Orwigsburg Street, Tamaqua, passed away Tuesday in St. Luke's University Hospital, Bethlehem.

Born Thursday, Sept. 30, 1937, in Tamaqua, the daughter of the late Irvin and Doris (Arner) Huegel.

Fern was also predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, Russell Rudenko, on Jan. 22, 2020; sons, Todd Rudenko, at 6 months of age; and Mark Rudenko, on Oct. 21, 2016; sister, Joyce M. Olencki, on May 5, 2016; and brother, Stanley I. Huegel, on April 29, 2000.

Surviving her are her son, Douglas Rudenko and his wife, Mary Ellen, Hazleton; daughter, Deborah "Debbie" A. Rudenko, Tamaqua; grandchildren, Nicholas Rudenko and his wife, Sarah; Julia and Andrew; great-grandson, Benjamin; and many nieces and nephews.

A member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tamaqua, Fern was a Tamaqua High School graduate, matriculating to Penn State Hazleton Campus, and the former St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in Hazleton. As a young woman, Fern worked as a Lab Tech at the former Coaldale State Hospital until becoming a mother.

Family and friends could always be found at Fern's home whether for a casual conversation over a cup of coffee, a rousing game of pinochle or a homemade piece of pie while being entertained by stories of the past.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 655 East Broad St., Tamaqua.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.

Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park, Tamaqua.

Memorials in her name may be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 109 Greenwood St., Tamaqua, PA 18252.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.