Phyllis Rudolph Obituary

PHYLLIS ELSBETH RUDOLPH Phyllis Elsbeth Rudolph, age 78, of Onekama, died Sunday May 12, 2013, at her home. She was born, March 23, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of the late Paul and Ruth (Glover) Gentner. She graduated from Schurz High School, in Chicago. On August 18, 1956, Phyllis married A. Dennis Rudolph, at the Fourth Congregational Church, in Chicago; he preceded her in death, May 6, 1990. Phyllis had such a passion for cooking and entertaining that, for those she frequently hosted, she brought real meaning to the term "comfort food. " Her many houseguests often referred to her home as "Philly 's Bed and Breakfast. " She had a special creative flair for ceramics, gardening, floral arrangements and designing holiday crafts, and her artistic eye aided in her unique collection of mice-themed knick-knacks. For Phyllis, spending time with her family and friends was always the priority. Her kindness and joyful ways made everyone feel better than when they arrived. We will forever smile at our memories of her, and we will forever retell stories of her generous acts. Each of us who knew her will always carry lasting impressions of her wonderful soul and the life lessons that we learned from her. Phyllis was the best wife to one lucky man, a wonderful mother to four blessed children, and an adoring Grammy to nine loving grandchildren and two great grandchildren. And, she was a thoughtful and caring friend to so very many. We already miss Phyllis enormously, yet we feel blessed by the time we shared together. We are deeply moved to carry on her spirit and to continue to spread her great joy for life. Her love resides within each of us, and we will love her forever. She is survived by her children, Cindy (Jim) Herkelrath of Bear Lake, Michigan, Dennis (Lynda) Rudolph of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Ralph Rudolph of Willowbrook, Illinois, Bonny (Scott) LaBash of Bear Lake, Michigan; grandchildren, Lisa (Dave) Kopera of Arcadia, Michigan, David Herkelrath of Shelby Township, Michigan, Ben (Jenny) Heinrich of Chicago, Illinois, Marlee (Corey) Gale of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dennis, Aiden & Shea Rudolph of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Ella & Louise Rudolph of Willowbrook, Illinois; and great-grandchildren, Olivia Herkelrath of Shelby Township, Michigan, and Zoe Heinrich of Chicago, Illinois. Also surviving Phyllis, are her sister, Jean (Terry) Reitz; nieces, Natalie (Aaron) Hurst, and their children Ava & Nolan, Jackie (James) Caudill and their children, Garrett, Ryan & Jack; and nephew David (Dawn) Reitz, all of Concord, North Carolina, and her faithful companion, Scruffy. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, May 26, 2013, at the First Congregational Church in Onekama, with Reverend William Morris officiating. Final interment will be in Bertelson Cemetery, in Onekama. Memorial contributions in Phyllis ' name may be directed to the First Congregational Church of Onekama. Please visit Phyllis ' personal book of memories page at www.oakgrovefh.com, to share a story or photo. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center, in Manistee, Michigan. 231-723-1117.