Judith "Judy" Ruby Rueger

Judy R. Rueger was born to Willard and Virginia Swan on August 13, 1938, in Midland, MI. She was born fifteen minutes after her twin, Jane. That she was pregnant with twins was unknown to Virginia. We don’t know which one was a surprise, and it doesn’t matter because what a great blessing those twins have been. They were the youngest of the family, behind Jeannette, Joe, and Celia.

Judy passed away at Stillwater Medical Center in Stillwater Oklahoma, after a short illness on December 29, 2025, at 10:09 a.m. She had been under the care of daughter Diane and family in their home, before moving to Westhaven Nursing Home in Stillwater in March of 2025. At Westhaven, Judy was well cared for by the staff. Judy had a sunny disposition and told all the workers that she loved them.

Early on the family resided in Coleman, MI. Coleman is where the twins went to kindergarten. When Judy and Jane were 6, the family moved to Saginaw and the twins went to Longfellow Elementary and Weber Jr. High. Judy graduated from Saginaw High School. After high school Judy and Jane were roommates while Judy worked at the Home Dairy cafeteria in Saginaw. A member of Faith Lutheran, Bridgeport, MI, Judy taught Sunday School.

Judy married Alvin Rueger on April 22, 1961, at Faith Lutheran in Bridgeport, MI. After the wedding Al and Judy drove all the way to Miami, FL for their honeymoon. They had been introduced to each other by Alvin’s cousin Herb Hammerbacher, who married Judy’s twin, Jane. Alvin and Judy lived on the top floor of Alvin’s parents’ home until they purchased the residence they spent their married life in at 11475 Wilkinson Rd. in Freeland, MI.

Judy joined St. John Lutheran, Amelith, which was Alvins home church. They worshiped together there and were members there until their deaths. To their union were born two daughters, Diane, and Valerie. Judy was the consummate homemaker, caring for Alvin, and the girls with love and dedication. Judy canned and preserved the bounty from Al’s garden. Judy and Alvin hosted many lively and joyous family gatherings at 11475 Wilkinson. They were an excellent team, admired and loved by family and many friends. They are dearly missed.

Judy traveled to be with her daughters at the births of each of the grandchildren. She was indispensable during those early days helping around the house and with the babies. Clothes were washed and folded and appeared in the drawers as if by magic. Judy and Al drove all over the country visiting relatives and their kids and grandkids. Al drove, Judy navigated.

Judy is survived by her sister Jane Bourdeau, (John), brother-in-law Jim Schnell, daughter Diane Wackler (John), Valerie Parrish (Steve), and grandchildren Jonathan Wackler, Megan Elder (Jake), Abigail Wackler, Timothy Parrish, (girlfriend Phoebe McGarrity), Joshua Parrish. Judy’s life intersected for six days with her great-granddaughter Hallie Ruth Elder born December 23, 2025. She is also survived by dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband Alvin of 63 years, her parents, sisters Celia Schnell and Jeannette Harper, and Jeannette’s husband Bob.

A Funeral Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at St. John Amelith Church. Officiating will be Pastor Jerry Gauthier with interment following at St. John Amelith Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be considered to St. John Amelith Church.