Karen Lynn RUDERT

Karen Lynn Rudert of the Spokane Reservation passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 13th, 2025, at the age of 66. She was in the home she lovingly designed, overlooking the Columbia River and surrounded by her children. For over three years, Karen lived with a rare and aggressive central nervous system melanoma, defying all medical expectations with grace, courage, and quiet tenacity. Though her prognosis was measured in weeks, she gave her loved ones years, an extraordinary final act of strength and love.

Karen was born on September 9th, 1959, to Lorraine Lynn Claassen and the late Robert Claassen in Medford, Oregon. She is survived by her children, Christian Rudert and Savannah Rudert; her stepdaughter, Melissa (Scott) Smith; her mother, Lorraine; sister, Rebecca Claassen; and brothers, Louis (Talla) Claassen and Daniel (Cindy) Claassen; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her father, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert and John Claassen.

Karen moved to the Washington, D.C. area after marrying Eric Rudert, with whom she shared over 20 years of marriage and enduring friendship. Even after their amicable separation and Eric's passing, Karen remained close to the Rudert family.

Karen devoted her life to supporting the most vulnerable. With a Master's in Special Education, she spent over two decades as an Employment Transition Representative for Fairfax County Public Schools, helping students with emotional and mental health challenges and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her work touched countless lives and earned her recognition as a top finalist for the county's Outstanding Teacher award.

To her siblings, family, and many friends, Karen was a beacon of light, someone who listened deeply, gave generously, and connected effortlessly. Her strength, humor, empathy, and spiritual depth defined both her life and legacy.

Karen passed on a morning marked by shifting rain, bursts of sunlight, and a brisk autumn wind, the season changing as her soul ascended. She gave more than she took and left the world better than she found it. She will be missed beyond words.

Two celebrations of life will be held in Karen's honor:

• Spokane Reservation – Saturday, October 25th, 12 PM, at the Wellpinit West End Community Center, 6195 Ford-Wellpinit Rd., Wellpinit, WA 99040

• Alexandria, Virginia – Date and location to be announced.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.strate-funeral.com for the Rudert family. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, DAVENPORT, WA, is caring for the family.