1927-2026
Rudelle Matthews, 99, a woman of unwavering faith and boundless love, peacefully entered her heavenly home on May 5, 2026, at Mary Rutan Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 30, 1927, in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, to the late Harvey and Mary Amelia (Detweiler) Miller.
Throughout her career, Rudelle worked at Mennonite Central Committee as a switchboard operator, at Thomans IGA, and as a bookkeeper for PK Lumber and Herb Lumber. Yet it was her role within her family and community that truly defined her. She was a cherished member of the Oak Grove Mennonite Church in West Liberty, Ohio, where she engaged wholeheartedly with the Women’s Missionary Service Commission and contributed her time as a volunteer with Global Crafts and at Green Hills Senior Life Community. In her free time, she enjoyed quilting, fixing puzzles, and playing Scrabble. She also liked to watch basketball and the Cincinnati Reds.
A devoted mother, Rudelle raised nine children, a remarkable achievement that revealed the depth of her strength and perseverance. She is survived by 136 direct descendants, including her children: Keith (Thelma) Matthews, Kathy Brubaker, Brenda (Terry) Felts, Lenny (Donna) Matthews, Duey (Stella) Matthews, Lamar Matthews, Lawrence (Louise) Matthews, Reva (Greg) Blaker, and Faye (Dave) Wintering. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Starting with her nine children, the family has grown to more than 180.
Rudelle made many connections, living this past year at Green Hills Senior Life Community, where she formed treasured friendships. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff for the compassionate and tender care she received.
Rudelle is preceded in death by her sisters: Virginia Hess, Marjorie Shantz, Norma Shantz, and Geraldine Schwartz; her brother, Marvin Miller; son-in-law, Tom Brubaker; and grandson, Tyler Blaker.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Mennonite Church, located at 1525 Mennonite Church Road in West Liberty, Ohio. Pastor Alex Dye will officiate a celebration of life on Monday, May 11, at 11:00 a.m. at the church, with burial to take place at Oak Grove Mennonite Cemetery before the service at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Rd, Lititz, PA 17543, or to Oak Grove Mennonite Church, 1525 Mennonite Church Road, West Liberty, Ohio 43357.
EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME, WEST LIBERTY, is honored to serve the Matthews family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at eichholtzdaring.com
