Ralph George Ruder, Sr.

Ralph George Ruder Sr., 90, previously of Lawrence, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Feb. 11, 2015. He was born and raised in Chicago. While serving in the U.S. Army Air Force, he married Virginia Buchholz. Ralph and Virginia spent their early years in Chicago and Roselle, Ill. In 1956 they moved to their fruit farm in Lawrence, which they owned for 57 years. In addition to farming, Ralph and Virginia founded and operated V&R Vending Service for more than 25 years before retiring. His final years were spent comfortably at Wynwood of Portage Assisted Living Apartments.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, in 2002 after 57 years of marriage, and son, Robert, in 2012. He is survived by his children: Ralph Jr. of Hartford; Darlene (Leonard) George of The Villages, Fla.; John of St. Joseph; Edith (Rudy) Hefter of Salem, Ore.; and William of Holland; eight grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and children, Ralph's other loves in life were playing cards, traveling, gardening, exploring the latest electronic media gadgets, and watching TV and movies. Ralph was also a member of several local organizations and Lawrence United Methodist Church. He was always happy, made friends easily, and loved to joke and tease.

Ralph will be laid to rest next to the love of his life, Virginia, in Lawrence Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015, at Calvin-Leonard Funeral Home in Hartford. Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at Calvin-Leonard Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, or Lawrence American Legion, P.O. Box 174, Lawrence, MI, or to a charity of one's choice. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.