RUDDY, Jane I. -of Chesaning, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Chesaning Comfort Care, surrounded by her loving husband and all of her children. She was 91 years of age.
Jane was born in Maple Grove on February 26, 1933, a daughter of Edward and Edith (Sutter) Ebenhoeh. Jane lived her entire life in the Chesaning and New Lothrop area. She was united in marriage to Daniel J. Ruddy and they were married for over 72 years.
Faith was an anchor for Jane, followed by family and music. She was a member of St. Peter Parish Catholic Church in Chesaning, a founding member and Director of Religious Education of Good Shepherd Parish in Montrose, MI, and also served as choir director at St. Michael’s Catholic Church and Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
Jane loved her family and spending time with them. She and her husband, Dan, welcomed each new child as if it were their first. All of her grandchildren felt that they were her “favorite,” and she was everyone’s biggest fan. She was the “Keeper of the Birthday List,” which included 25 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. Her family will miss her infectious laugh, her great sense of humor, and especially her mastery of puns.
Jane was an accomplished musician and instilled in her children the love of music. She liked nothing better than listening to her children and grandchildren creating music, playing guitars, piano, drums, and horns. She taught piano lessons to countless students, her home a revolving door of children, laughter, and love.
Jane is survived by her beloved husband of over 72 years, Daniel; their children, Diane (David) Ruddy-Wolbert of Flint, David (Karen) Ruddy of Canadian Lakes, Maureen Ruddy of Roscommon, Brian (Becky) Ruddy of Everett, WA, James (Lynn) Ruddy of Lake Orion, Colleen Maneke of Chesaning, Patrick (Tanya) Ruddy of Harbor Springs, and Raymond (Michelle) Ruddy of Fenton; son-in-law, Dallas Parks of Clio; 25 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; sister, Eleanor Drexler of Chesaning; brother, Patrick Ebenhoeh of Skokie, IL; sisters-in-law, Jeannie Ebenhoeh of New Lothrop, Janet Ruddy of New Lothrop, and Betty Ruddy of Swartz Creek; brothers-in-law Gordon Krupp and Bill (Diane) Krupp, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Ruddy, daughter, Danielle Ruddy Parks, infant daughter, Brenda; son-in-law, Christopher Maneke; her parents; siblings, Vincent Ebenhoeh and wife Doris, Donald Ebenhoeh, Howard Ebenhoeh and wife Bonnie, Floyd Ebenhoeh and wife Irene, Henrietta and husband Lavern Birkmeier, Marie and husband Clarence Schnell, Eileen and husband Louis Birkmeier, Grace and husband Dominic Sherry, Martha Krupp, and Margaret Krupp; brothers-in-law, Carl Drexler, Rev. Fr. Paul Ruddy, Arthur Ruddy, Maurice Ruddy and wife Betty, Ralph Ruddy, Robert Ruddy and wife Patricia; and sisters-in-law, Katherine and husband Bill Flynn, and Mary and husband Virgil Verhaeghe.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at St. Peter Parish Catholic Church, 404 S. Wood Street, Chesaning, with Fr. Raj Bandaru officiating. The visitation will be Saturday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Mass. A private burial will be later at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Charitable donations given in memory of Jane may be made to the charity of one’s own choice. You may light a memorial candle or share a condolence at misiukfuneralhome.com.